Milwaukee Pro Soccer team will kick off a year later than expected

From the Article:

Milwaukee Pro Soccer announced Wednesday that it expects to kick off its franchise play in the United Soccer League in 2026, instead of 2025, as originally planned.

It will be a big year for footie in Milwaukee as local fans will also surely be closely watching the FIFA World Cup, which returns to the U.S. (and Canada and Mexico) that year, for the first time since 1994.

Although construction progresses on the residential phase of the Iron District MKE project on Michigan Street, between 6th and 10th Streets, the soccer stadium construction has not yet begun.

Although the former hotel on the site has been razed, another building, along 6th Street, is not only still standing but still has tenants with active leases.

The stadium, however, recently got a nearly $10 million grant from the state.

At the same time, Milwaukee Pro Soccer continues to work Cramer-Krasselt on the official team name, crest, branding and other related decisions.

“As the highest level of pro soccer in the state of Wisconsin, we know we only have one opening day, and we want to make sure we get that product, that fan experience, and our facilities right,” said Conor Caloia, Milwaukee Pro Soccer’s Chief Operating Officer in a statement.

“The stadium and experience we will bring will be worth the wait. We’re excited for a successful kickoff season in 2026.”

The as-yet-unnamed team will play in the USL Championship, which is the second-highest tier of professional soccer in the United States.

Sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation as the nation’s Division II professional league, the league has 27 teams playing in major metropolitan markets like Miami, San Diego, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Detroit and Indianapolis.