VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed on Monday that the club will have a new team join MLS NEXT Pro as one the 21 clubs that will compete in the new professional league’s inaugural 2022 season. In the new year, Vancouver will confirm team name, home stadium, coaching staff, roster and much more. adidas will serve as MLS NEXT Pro’s first corporate sponsor.
“This new team in Metro Vancouver will be highly competitive, provide a top professional environment and a fantastic opportunity for supporters to see our rising stars play against top clubs and soccer cities across Canada and the United States,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC CEO and sporting director. “This is a vital step forward and will give our young Canadian players coming through our academy the opportunity to test themselves week in week out against the best up-and-coming talents who have also emerged from the MLS NEXT academy structure.”
Established in June by Major League Soccer, the new professional league will complete an integrated player pathway from MLS NEXT through to MLS first teams. The new league will offer young players and experienced professionals the opportunity to develop and showcase their talents while competing for an MLS NEXT Pro championship.
MLS NEXT Pro will debut in 2022, a FIFA World Cup year, and just four years prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. MLS NEXT Pro will bring professional soccer closer to fans and supporters, while providing more opportunities for players, coaches, referees, and sports business professionals throughout North America.
Cities across North America will experience the excitement and passion of professional soccer through the inclusion of both independent teams and MLS-affiliated teams. The 21 clubs competing in MLS NEXT Pro’s inaugural season include 20 teams affiliated with MLS clubs and one independent club, Rochester NY FC.
As a founding partner of MLS NEXT Pro, adidas will continue to expand upon its deep relationship with MLS and MLS NEXT. The partnership affirms adidas’ commitment to the growth and advancement of the sport of soccer in local communities throughout Canada, the United States and globally.
Rochester NY FC will serve as MLS NEXT Pro’s inaugural independent club. Rochester NY FC, founded in 1996 as the Rochester Rhinos and rebranded this September, is owned by David and Wendy Dworkin, and co-owned by Premier League striker, and former England National Team star, Jamie Vardy of Leicester City FC.
In addition to Rochester NY FC, the following MLS clubs will compete in MLS NEXT Pro’s 2022 season:
- Chicago
- Colorado
- Columbus
- Cincinnati
- Dallas
- Houston
- Kansas City
- Miami
- Minnesota
- New England
- New York City
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Portland
- Salt Lake
- San Jose
- Seattle
- St. Louis
- Toronto
- Vancouver
Eight additional MLS-affiliated teams will join MLS NEXT Pro in 2023, including: Atlanta United, Austin FC, Charlotte FC, D.C. United, LA Galaxy, LAFC, Nashville SC, and New York Red Bulls. In addition to Rochester NY FC, MLS NEXT Pro will introduce additional independent clubs to the league in 2023 and beyond.
MLS NEXT Pro will kick off its inaugural season in March, just one month after Major League Soccer action starts, and see its season culminate in postseason action in September. The full 2022 match schedule and competition details will be announced at a later date.
The league has appointed its two leading executives. Charles Altchek has been named President and Ali Curtis will be Senior Vice President of Competition and Operations of MLS NEXT Pro.
Previously, Altchek was Senior Vice President of League Growth and Operations at Major League Soccer. In this role, Altchek has led the planning and development of MLS NEXT Pro since its inception, and drove MLS’ expansion strategy and efforts, including serving as the point of contact for all recent and prospective new ownership groups. Before joining MLS in 2014, Altchek worked for Goldman Sachs and in Business Development for the New York Red Bulls and New York Mets.
For the last three seasons, Curtis was General Manager of Toronto FC, leading the Club to MLS Cup in 2019. Previously, he was sporting director for the New York Red Bulls, who won the Supporters Shield under his leadership in 2015. Curtis also worked extensively with NYRB II, gaining invaluable experience for his new role with MLS NEXT Pro. A former MLS player and winner of the Hermann Trophy for top male player in college soccer, Curtis worked in the MLS league office for eight years, holding the position of senior director of player relations and competition before joining the Red Bulls.
ABOUT MLS NEXT Pro
MLS NEXT Pro is a professional men’s soccer league in the United States and Canada debuting with 21 clubs for its inaugural season in 2022. MLS NEXT Pro completes the pro player pathway by connecting youth academies in MLS NEXT to First teams in Major League Soccer. More so, it grows the game through innovation and diversity by bringing professional soccer to new markets, creating career opportunities for professionals on and off the field, and providing communities with a strong sense of pride. For more information about MLS NEXT Pro, visit www.mlsnextpro.com.
About adidas in Football
adidas is the global leader in football. It is the official supplier of the most important football tournaments in the world, such as the FIFA World Cup™, the UEFA European Championship & the UEFA Champions League. adidas also sponsors some of the world’s top clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal, FC Bayern Munich & Juventus. adidas is also partner to some of the best athletes in the game including Leo Messi, Paul Pogba, Mohamed Salah, Paulo Dybala, Thiago Alcantara, Gabriel Jesus, Roberto Firmino, Joao Felix, Serge Gnabry, Isco, Dele Alli, Karim Benzema, Vivianne Miedema, Lindsey Horan & Wendie Renard.
