Columbia City Council Votes to Advance Planning for Potential MLS Next Pro Team
The Columbia, SC city council has voted on a memorandum of understanding to initiate early planning stages for potentially bringing Major League Soccer (MLS Next Pro) to the city, in collaboration with Hometown Soccer Holdings, LLC.
Columbia, SC, October 6, 2026 —
Columbia, South Carolina’s city council has taken a step forward in exploring the possibility of establishing a Major League Soccer (MLS Next Pro) team in the city. During a recent session, council members voted on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at commencing early planning phases for this potential venture.
The proposed development is a collaboration between the city and Hometown Soccer Holdings, LLC. The memorandum of understanding signifies the initiation of preliminary discussions and assessments required to evaluate the feasibility of bringing a professional soccer league to Columbia.
Details regarding the specific timeline for these early planning stages, the projected costs, or potential stadium locations were not immediately available following the vote. The initial agreement focuses on the foundational steps necessary to determine the viability of such a project, including market analysis, infrastructure requirements, and community engagement strategies.
Hometown Soccer Holdings, LLC is listed as the partner in this initiative. The organization will work alongside city officials to research and plan the necessary elements for a successful franchise launch. This includes assessing fan interest, potential operational frameworks, and the economic impact such a team could have on the Columbia area.
The vote by the city council authorizes the city administration to proceed with these initial planning efforts. This phase is critical for understanding the scope of work, potential challenges, and the overall commitment required from both the city and its private partner. The outcome of these early stages will likely inform future decisions regarding the progression of the MLS Next Pro project.
As the planning progresses, further information is expected to be released regarding the specific steps involved and the long-term vision for professional soccer in Columbia. The memorandum of understanding serves as an official starting point for these exploratory discussions.
Story summarized from the original created by Tanner Gilmartin, Elizabeth West on www.wistv.com, see more information here.
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