GARLAND, Texas – In a landmark announcement today, the United Soccer League (USL) and the City of Garland revealed that USL Dallas, North Texas’s latest professional soccer franchise, will officially join the USL Championship starting in the 2027 season. This exciting expansion is anticipated to elevate the level of competition, enhance community involvement, and provide thrilling entertainment options for residents of Garland and the surrounding regions.
“We are thrilled to bring men’s professional soccer to the City of Garland and welcome USL Dallas to the USL Championship,” expressed Justin Papadakis, the USL Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Real Estate Officer. He emphasized, “Dallas boasts an incredibly passionate soccer culture, and the addition of a men’s professional club represents a natural progression for the USL as we endeavor to expand the sport at every level. We are optimistic that the collaboration between USL Dallas and the City of Garland will yield substantial economic advantages and bolster the vitality of the North Texas community.”
USL Dallas is the brainchild of co-founders Matt Valentine and Sam Morton, who forged their friendship on local soccer fields during their childhood. Leading the charge, Matt Valentine brings over 25 years of extensive experience in corporate finance, capital markets, and investment strategy to his role as the club’s strategic architect in both business and athletic operations. His partner, Sam Morton, a longtime radio executive, is taking the reins as Chief Commercial Officer, where he will spearhead initiatives across marketing, communications, sponsorship, merchandising, and ticketing strategies.
“This is a dream come true for us,” stated Valentine, who serves as Chairman and Co-Founder of USL Dallas. “We’re deeply committed to leveraging this team as a platform to give back to the community, inspire young athletes, and cultivate a new sense of excitement and unity throughout North Texas.”
“Soccer is the most exciting and most-watched sport in the world,” highlighted Morton. He emphasized, “My goal is to establish a lasting legacy for soccer in North Texas, and I envision USL Dallas as the premier destination for soccer enthusiasts throughout the region.”
The co-founders are joined by fellow founders Luther Ott and Dan McAlone, who share a collective mission to build not just a competitive sports franchise, but a community-focused team devoted to empowering young athletes, nurturing youth development, and uniting the North Texas community through the unifying power of soccer.
Home to approximately 250,000 residents, Garland is characterized as a vibrant and diverse community where soccer transcends mere sport, reflecting the city’s rich cultural identity. Renowned for its successful manufacturing heritage, Garland also stands as a thriving hub for business innovation, accommodating a dynamic mix of Fortune 500 companies, emerging startups, and small businesses. As Garland continues its impressive transformation, the city is positioning itself to become a premier entertainment and experiential center for the eastern DFW area, making it an ideal backdrop for USL Dallas.
USL Dallas has forged a partnership with the City of Garland to establish a vibrant team that will catalyze new economic growth and provide entertainment options for the city and broader North Texas region. This partnership embodies a shared vision aimed at creating a profound impact through sports, community events, and local involvement.
“In Garland, we want to provide the best quality of life for our residents and visitors — a destination for all to live, work, and play,” asserted Mayor Scott LeMay. He added, “We are confident that this opportunity will not only deliver unforgettable experiences but will also spur economic growth and forge connections throughout the community and across the metroplex.”
As the development plans crystallize, USL Dallas and the City of Garland are excited to announce further details in the upcoming months. They eagerly anticipate engaging with local fans, partners, and businesses in their mission to foster a community-centric club that resonates deeply within the North Texas region.
How do you plan to involve local youth in the development of soccer culture in the region?
**Interview with Matt Valentine and Sam Morton, Co-Founders of USL Dallas**
**Editor:** Thank you both for joining us today to discuss the exciting announcement of USL Dallas becoming part of the USL Championship. What does this mean for you personally as co-founders?
**Matt Valentine:** Thank you for having us! For Sam and me, this is not just a business venture; it’s a dream come true. We grew up playing soccer in local fields, and now we have the opportunity to bring professional soccer to our community. It’s incredibly rewarding, and we’re committed to using this platform to inspire young athletes and foster community spirit across North Texas.
**Sam Morton:** Absolutely. This has been a lifelong passion for both of us. We want to create an environment where soccer can thrive, and we genuinely believe that establishing USL Dallas will play a key role in elevating the sport in the region.
**Editor:** Justin Papadakis from the USL highlighted the enthusiasm for soccer in Dallas. What steps will you take to engage the local community and enhance that passion?
**Matt Valentine:** Community engagement is at the heart of our vision for USL Dallas. We plan to form partnerships with schools, local soccer clubs, and youth organizations to promote the sport and provide opportunities for young athletes. Our aim is to build a fan base that’s not just about watching games but actively participating in the soccer culture.
**Sam Morton:** We’ll also focus on creating exciting game-day experiences that fans will look forward to. Through initiatives in marketing, sponsorship, and merchandise, we want our fans to feel a genuine connection with the team and the sport.
**Editor:** You both mentioned a desire to leave a legacy for soccer in North Texas. Can you elaborate on that vision?
**Sam Morton:** Certainly. Our goal is to establish USL Dallas as a premier destination for soccer fans throughout the region. We envision a club that not only competes at a high level but also serves as a beacon for what soccer can be in North Texas—an inclusive, vibrant community hub fostering connections through sport.
**Matt Valentine:** We want to focus on youth development and empowerment. Beyond just fielding a competitive team, we plan to offer training programs and camps aimed at nurturing the next generation of soccer players. It’s about building a sustainable future for the sport here.
**Editor:** As you prepare for the 2027 season, what are the next steps for USL Dallas in terms of building the franchise?
**Matt Valentine:** Right now, we’re in the process of securing partnerships and sponsorships while finalizing our plans for facilities. We want to create a venue that not only showcases our team but also serves as a community space for sporting events and gatherings.
**Sam Morton:** Additionally, we’ll be focusing on our community outreach initiatives to garner support and feedback from residents. This is their team, and we want to ensure their voices are heard as we build USL Dallas together.
**Editor:** It sounds like you have a comprehensive plan in place. Thank you both for sharing your vision and passion for USL Dallas. We look forward to seeing how this unfolds and the impact it will have on the community!
**Matt Valentine and Sam Morton:** Thank you! We’re excited for the journey ahead!
