Major League Soccer Next Pro Team Proposed for Des Moines with New Stadium

The plan includes relocating the MLS Next Pro team currently based in Kansas City to Des Moines, with a new stadium featuring approximately 6,000 seats proposed for the site of a surface parking lot north of the Principal Financial Group headquarters. Chris Klein, president of Hometown Soccer Holdings, emphasized that Des Moines has been a target for an MLS Next Pro team due to its vibrant sports culture and community support for teams like the Iowa Cubs, Iowa Wolves, and Iowa Wild.

The estimated construction cost for the stadium ranges from $55 million to $65 million. Klein stated that the goal is to create a team that the residents of Des Moines and Iowa can fully embrace, while ensuring the stadium is connected to downtown amenities, including Casey's Center and Principal Park.

This proposal surfaces amid a stalled plan to bring a United Soccer League team to the area, where negotiations between the city and Krause+, the property development arm of Krause Group, broke down over an incentives package. Despite this setback, stakeholders agree that a development around the proposed stadium would be crucial for its success.

Klein mentioned that Hometown Soccer Holdings evaluated various sites in the metro, ultimately choosing the lot near Principal due to its central location and existing entertainment infrastructure. This site is also viewed as an opportunity for future real estate development, aiming to enhance the downtown entertainment district.

The 7½-acre site is bordered by Crocker Street and Center Street, with a segment of Eighth Street planned for closure to facilitate the project. Klein assured that the city has indicated this closure would not disrupt traffic flow. Principal has confirmed that Hometown Soccer Holdings has expressed interest in the property but stated that no agreement is in place yet.

While the cost of the stadium remains unfinalized, Hometown Soccer Holdings is eager to expedite the deal, believing it's essential to fulfill the community's long-standing desire for professional soccer. Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen commented that the city is considering the proposal and its potential to significantly impact downtown Des Moines while remaining open to exploring new possibilities after the lengthy negotiations with Krause+.

Chris Oxley, chief development officer for Hometown Soccer Holdings, highlighted the positive initial discussions with city officials and emphasized the potential economic impact, projecting that the stadium could host over 50 events annually, attracting more than 300,000 visitors.

The organization also aspires to introduce professional women’s soccer to Des Moines and has proposed developing the nearby Dico site for youth soccer fields and other sports activities. Jake Reid, president and CEO of Sporting Kansas City, expressed confidence in Des Moines' existing fan base for professional soccer, noting that many locals already travel to Kansas City for games.

MLS Next Pro operates 30 teams and is expanding, with many players moving to the MLS following their tenure in this league. Ali Curtis, president of MLS Next Pro, acknowledged that numerous players who excelled in MLS Next Pro have gone on to succeed at higher levels, underscoring the league's importance in cultivating future soccer talent.