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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – Professional soccer could be making its way to Columbia, with city leaders now considering a preliminary agreement for stadium development.
At its upcoming Oct. 6 meeting, Columbia City Council is scheduled to vote on a resolution that would allow the city manager to execute an memorandum of understanding between the city and Hometown Soccer Holdings, LLC “for the development of a Major League Soccer affiliated soccer stadium.”
A memorandum of understanding is typically not legally binding, nor is it considered final approval by city leaders. Documents released ahead of Tuesday’s meeting did not provide any further details, including where the stadium would be located and when a team would begin play.
Who else is involved?
Hometown Soccer Holdings is a joint venture between Major League Soccer, the top pro soccer league in the United States, and investment firm KKR. The group primarily focuses on expanding MLS’s minor league, MLS NEXT Pro.
MLS NEXT Pro was established in 2022, with most of its clubs being affiliated with MLS teams. The league already has teams in North Carolina and Georgia.
It’s also separate from the United Soccer League and its corresponding minor leagues. The USL notably has two teams in South Carolina in the Charleston Battery and the Greenville Triumph.
Columbia City Council meets Tuesday at 4 p.m.
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