The momentum behind professional soccer in North Texas continues to build, this time with the launch of Rodeo SC, a new club set to debut in 2027 in Celina.
The team will compete in the United Soccer League (USL), joining the third tier of the professional soccer pyramid. The franchise will serve as the pro affiliate of Texoma FC, which is slated to begin play in USL League Two in 2026.
This marks another milestone in the region’s soccer evolution.
In 2024, Dallas Trinity FC made history as North Texas’s first professional women’s team.
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Earlier this year, Atlético Dallas was unveiled and will kick off its inaugural USL season in 2027, with the iconic Cotton Bowl Stadium serving as its home, just as it does for Trinity FC.
This surge in new clubs coincides with the excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will bring nine matches, including a semifinal, to AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.
“Rodeo SC represents an exciting new chapter for the future of soccer in North Texas,” said Justin Papadakis, USL Deputy CEO and Chief Real Estate Officer. “Celina is undergoing significant growth, with the infrastructure, corporate presence, and population needed to support a professional club for years to come.”
The club is spearheaded by founder Ben Watson and principal owner Jacob West, whose family roots run deep in Celina.
“Rodeo Soccer Club represents the heart of our family and the spirit of Celina,” said West. This isn’t just about soccer, it’s about legacy.”
Community engagement will kick off this fall, beginning with a fan activation at the Celina Troubadour Festival on November 15.
The name “Rodeo” pays tribute to the region’s Western heritage, reflecting the resilience, pride, and competitive spirit that define both Texas and the City of Celina.
“Rodeo Soccer Club is the embodiment of true Texan heritage meeting the beautiful game,” said Watson.
Rodeo SC will play its home matches at Bobcat Stadium, bringing professional soccer closer to the heart of Celina.
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