The United Soccer League, in collaboration with Reno Pro Soccer, has announced plans to reintroduce professional soccer to northern Nevada. Reno Pro Soccer recently acquired the former Jones West Ford site on Kietzke Lane, intending to transform it into a sports and entertainment district featuring a soccer-specific stadium.
This venue intends to host a USL professional men’s team. “As the USL continues to expand in the Western U.S., we’re excited about the potential of bringing professional soccer to northern Nevada,” said Justin Papadakis, USL Deputy CEO and chief real estate officer.
Reno Pro Soccer’s leadership includes Todd Davis, a local entrepreneur and principal owner; Wendy Damonte, co-founder and CEO; Bob Enzenberger, deputy CEO and general counsel; and John Doyle, a former U.S. international defender. “This club and planned development will be about more than professional soccer, it will serve as a catalyst for Reno’s future,” Davis said.
Damonte added, “This is a bold step for Reno, and we look forward to working with our city leaders, community stakeholders and local businesses to build a community-driven soccer club.” Community input will be sought to shape the club’s identity, including team name and brand elements.
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Reno briefly had a USL team, Reno 1868 FC, from March 2017 to 2020. The team, which shared Greater Nevada Field with the Reno Aces, ceased operations after the 2020 season citing financial and operational impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The USL operates four men’s leagues: the newly announced top-tier professional Division I league, the USL Championship (Division II), USL League One (Division III) and USL League Two (pre-professional). On the women’s side, it oversees the Gainbridge Super League (Division I), which launched in 2024, and the USL W League, the country’s top pre-professional women’s league. The USL also runs the USL Academy and USL Youth programs to support talent development and youth engagement.