Columbia City Council to Vote on Agreement for Pro Soccer Stadium

Columbia, S.C. - The Columbia City Council will vote on a preliminary agreement for the development of a professional soccer stadium at its meeting on October 6. The proposed resolution would authorize the city manager to sign a memorandum of understanding with Hometown Soccer Holdings, LLC, for a Major League Soccer affiliated stadium.

The memorandum of understanding is not legally binding and does not constitute final approval from city leaders. Current documents do not provide specifics on the stadium's location or the timeline for a team to begin play.

Hometown Soccer Holdings is a collaboration between Major League Soccer and investment firm KKR, focusing on the growth of MLS’s minor league, MLS NEXT Pro. This league was established in 2022 and includes teams that are primarily affiliated with MLS franchises. Currently, MLS NEXT Pro operates teams in North Carolina and Georgia. This league is distinct from the United Soccer League, which has two teams in South Carolina: the Charleston Battery and the Greenville Triumph.

The Columbia City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 4 p.m.