Major League Soccer has entered a strategic partnership with global investment firm KKR to accelerate the growth of MLS NEXT Pro.
As part of the agreement, the two parties have established “Hometown Soccer Holdings (HSH),” a new platform designed to serve as the league’s commercial engine. The initiative will focus on stadium development, club branding, and fan experience, supporting the league’s expansion into new independent markets with purpose-built infrastructure.
MLS NEXT Pro President Ali Curtis said the investment comes at a pivotal time for North American soccer in 2026, adding that it will create more opportunities for players while enabling expansion into new markets. He also emphasized the league’s role in preparing the next generation of talent for MLS and beyond.
Since its launch in 2022, MLS NEXT Pro has become a key component of the North American soccer pyramid, with 255 players advancing to MLS first-team contracts.
HSH will be led by CEO Tom Glick and President Chris Klein. The platform’s core mission includes developing soccer-specific stadiums that act as long-term anchors within their communities and building strong local club identities.
Clubs expected to join the league in the coming years include Forest City Cleveland, Jacksonville Armada FC, and AC Grand Rapids.
The initiative reflects MLS’s broader ambition to build a scalable and sustainable football ecosystem across North America.