Club led by Mark Music and soccer icon DaMarcus Beasley will compete in USL League One in new state-of-the-art stadium
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The United Soccer League and Fort Wayne FC announced Monday that professional soccer is coming to Northeast Indiana. Beginning in 2026, Fort Wayne FC will compete in USL League One, marking a new chapter for the region’s soccer community.
Led by Majority Owner Mark Music and National Soccer Hall of Famer DaMarcus Beasley, Fort Wayne FC is set to strengthen the local economy, create new youth development opportunities, and unite fans across the region.
“For me, this is about giving back to the city that shaped my soccer journey,” said Beasley, a native of Fort Wayne who is a four-time World Cup participant and now Fort Wayne FC’s Director of Football Operations. “The excitement surrounding the new stadium and this announcement is incredible, and I know it will inspire our community and fans.”
Fort Wayne FC’s new soccer-specific stadium, at Bass Road and I-69, will hold more than 8,400 fans for matches when it opens in time for the 2026 season. Designed by local firm Design Collaborative, the multi-use venue will serve as the home for Fort Wayne FC and become the centerpiece of regional entertainment, hosting concerts, festivals, and community events.
“Fort Wayne FC represents everything we value in our USL communities – passion, vision, and a commitment to growth,” USL Deputy CEO and Chief Real Estate Officer Justin Papadakis said. “This expansion isn’t just about introducing professional soccer to the region – it’s about positioning Fort Wayne as a city of opportunity, economic development, and community pride.
“With a proven and dedicated ownership group, including one of U.S. soccer’s biggest names, and plans for a first-class stadium, Fort Wayne FC is well-positioned to succeed at the pro level in League One. The new stadium will serve as a catalyst for professional soccer in the region, and we couldn’t be more excited to watch Fort Wayne FC grow with our league.”
Fort Wayne, in the heart of Northeast Indiana, is a thriving metropolitan area known for its outstanding quality of life, and recognized by awards from Money Magazine and the All-America City program. With a strong business climate, affordable living, and access to top-notch education and health care, Fort Wayne offers the perfect mix of opportunity and community, making it an ideal home for the USL.
Music, the Chief Executive Officer and Owner of Ruoff Mortgage and other companies in the residential-housing industry, is privately funding Fort Wayne FC’s new stadium.
“This is more than soccer – it’s about showcasing our region and creating something that will resonate for generations,” Music said. “We’re investing in a vision that combines world-class soccer with a state-of-the-art venue, and I couldn’t be more proud to see it all come to life.”
Fort Wayne FC will continue play in USL League Two during the 2025 season at Bishop D’Arcy Stadium on the University of St. Francis campus, with the opener there May 11 against Sueño FC. While currently playing a summer schedule in USL League Two, Fort Wayne FC will transition to a March-to-October season in USL League One, which has 14 clubs this season.
“The new stadium and this step into professional soccer are game changers for Fort Wayne,” said Mike Avery, Fort Wayne FC’s Head Coach. “We’re not just building a team; we’re building something special for our city. As we scout players for the 2025 League Two season and begin assembling our professional squad for 2026, we’re focused on creating a roster that reflects the passion and talent of this community. Our ultimate goal is to see homegrown players proudly representing Fort Wayne on the field.”
Through a partnership with USL, the League One matches are broadcast on ESPN and CBS Sports platforms.
“The national exposure created by this impressive lineup of broadcast partners demonstrates the USL’s commitment to a long-term strategy – one that ensures the league continues to build momentum and thrive for years to come,” Music said. “A League One expansion franchise fits in perfectly with our club’s vision of showcasing an exciting brand of professional soccer in Northeast Indiana in our beautiful new stadium.”
Season tickets for Fort Wayne FC’s 2025 USL League Two season are available now. All memberships include priority seat selection in the new stadium. Single-game tickets for the 2025 season go on sale 10 a.m. March 26.
About Fort Wayne FC
Fort Wayne FC, founded in 2019, is currently a pre-professional club in USL League Two’s Valley Division in the Central Conference. The club won Valley Division championships in 2023 and 2024. Fort Wayne FC is moving to the professional ranks of USL League One in 2026 at a new state-of-the-art stadium. www.fortwaynefc.com
About United Soccer League
Founded in 1986, the United Soccer League (USL) is the largest and fastest-growing soccer organization in the United States, impacting more than 200 communities nationwide. The USL is the first and only organization to offer a comprehensive youth-to-professional pathway for both men and women under one ecosystem. This structure includes four men’s leagues: the newly announced, top-tier professional Division I league, the USL Championship (Division II), USL League One (Division III), and USL League Two (pre-professional). The women’s pathway includes the top-tier USL Super League (Division I), which debuted in 2024, and USL W League, the country’s leading pre-professional women’s league. The USL also oversees USL Academy, a progressive talent development platform, and USL Youth, a premier national youth platform.
