The 20-year-old is now under contract through 2027 after making 35 appearances as a first-year professional in 2024
Las Vegas Lights FC today announced that defender Shawn Smart has signed a new contract with the club through 2027.
The contract is guaranteed in 2025 and 2026 with a club option in 2027.
“Shawn is a cornerstone piece of this team, and we’re thrilled to sign him to this new contract,” said Sporting Director Gianleonardo Neglia. “We identified Shawn as a top underclassman prospect out of Clemson University last year, and it was a pleasure to watch his growth as a first-year professional throughout the season. We’re very bullish on his potential as a player and excited to have him committed to Las Vegas long-term.”
The 20-year-old right back appeared in 35 matches for the Lights during the 2024 season, including all but two regular season matches. He contributed with two goals, one of them a match-winning goal against San Antonio FC, and one match-winning assist against Sacramento Republic FC.
“I’m grateful for the club believing in me and giving me an opportunity to sign an extension,” Smart said. “I believe that this is the best place for me at this point in my career. After falling short of making even more history than we already did last season, I’m excited to take another step this season. We know what we have to do and will give our best efforts to accomplish our goal of winning trophies.”
Smart joined the Lights from Clemson University, where he won the 2023 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament. He played for two seasons with the Tigers, participating in 36 matches and contributing with two goals and three assists.
Las Vegas will open the season at home at Cashman Field on March 8 against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. For more information, including the full 2025 schedule, please click here.
2025 Season Tickets are also available now. To purchase tickets today, view exclusive Season Ticket Member benefits, and learn more about pricing, visit lasvegaslightsfc.com/season-tickets.
