Calling all soccer fans in Western New York! Get ready to cheer on a brand new professional team. Buffalo Pro Soccer, spearheaded by Buffalo native and seasoned soccer executive Peter Marlette, Jr., has officially announced their ambitious goal: bringing a USL Championship franchise to the city by 2026.
Marlette, who boasts five seasons playing for FC Buffalo and recent success as General Manager of Union Omaha, isn’t going it alone. “I’ve had this goal of bringing a professional soccer team to Buffalo for as long as I can remember,” he declared. “I moved back here to dedicate myself to making it happen for the city, and I’m thrilled to see this vision finally taking shape.”
Buffalo Pro Soccer is assembling a team with a clear mission: secure ownership, navigate the approval process, and most importantly, build a passionate fan base. “Buffalo is known worldwide as a great city for sports, and this will add to our reputation,” stated Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown, echoing the excitement surrounding the initiative.
The United Soccer League (USL) is shaping the future of soccer in America as the first to build complete youth-to-pro pathways for men and women in one ecosystem. With teams in more than 200 communities across the country, the USL has emerged as one of the world’s fastest growing and most respected sports organizations. USL Deputy CEO Justin Papadakis adds,
Buffalo is home to some of the most fervent and proud sports fans in the world, and we know they will embrace and support a professional soccer club of their own. Peter Marlette is a Buffalo soccer product with experience at all levels of the game and a deep commitment to the community he calls home. With his leadership, a growing, diverse population of young professionals, and a pent-up demand for the global game, Buffalo is poised to create a flagship club during this transformative moment in American soccer.”
The USL Championship, with its 24 professional teams vying for the title across a 34-game season, is a highly regarded league. “Given soccer’s incredible growth trajectory in the United States, it’s time that Buffalo joins the movement with its own professional club,” said Marlette, who sees Buffalo Pro Soccer as more than just entertainment; it’s an opportunity to contribute to the economic and cultural vibrancy of the region.
Beyond the thrill of the game, Buffalo Pro Soccer envisions a dedicated soccer stadium as a cornerstone of their plans. This multi-purpose facility wouldn’t just host matches, it would also serve as a venue for various community events, further solidifying the club’s commitment to the city.
While the initial focus is on launching a men’s team, the future holds the potential for a women’s team competing in the upcoming USL Super League. “This phased approach will help accelerate the club’s path to kicking off its first season in the USL Championship,” explained Marlette.
The organization is actively seeking partners, investors, and most importantly, supporters. Fans eager to be a part of this journey can sign up for updates and participate in shaping the future of the club at buffaloprosoccer.com.
The news has been met with enthusiastic support from local leaders. “This is an exciting time for sports in Buffalo,” said Mayor Brown. FC Buffalo owner Nick Mendola echoed the sentiment, highlighting the potential for professional soccer to “create pathways from the youth fields of Western New York to the grandest stages of global soccer.”
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Buffalo Pro Soccer seems to be kicking off at the perfect time. The organization is poised to capitalize on the sport’s growing popularity and establish itself as a new pillar of Buffalo’s thriving sports culture.
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