Fort Wayne FC is set to take a major step forward. The club announced Monday that it will move up to USL League One for the 2026 season, officially becoming a fully professional soccer team. This transition also aligns with the construction of a new soccer-specific stadium in the city, signaling a new era for the sport in Northeast Indiana.
A Step Toward Professional Soccer
Fort Wayne FC has spent years building its presence in the soccer community. Now, the club is preparing to enter a fully professional setting with its move to USL League One, the third tier of American soccer.
The club currently competes in USL League Two, a pre-professional league designed to develop young talent. However, the upcoming shift means players will be under professional contracts, and the team will operate at a higher competitive and organizational level.
“This is a historic moment for soccer in Fort Wayne,” a team spokesperson said. “We’ve seen tremendous growth, and moving to USL League One is the next step in our journey.”
New Stadium to Accommodate Expansion
The transition to a professional league isn’t just about the team; it’s about the infrastructure as well. Fort Wayne FC has plans to build a brand-new soccer-specific stadium at Bass Road and I-69, capable of holding more than 8,400 fans.
The stadium project is expected to break ground next month, ensuring that the venue is ready in time for the club’s USL League One debut in 2026.
For now, the club will continue playing home games at Bishop D’Arcy Stadium through the 2025 season. This ensures a smooth transition while construction is underway.
What This Means for Local Soccer Fans
Bringing professional soccer to Fort Wayne isn’t just about the team. It has broader implications for the community and local sports culture.
- Increased fan engagement: With professional soccer in town, local fans will have the chance to watch a higher level of play.
- Boost to the local economy: More games, more fans, and a new stadium mean increased business for local restaurants, hotels, and shops.
- Development opportunities: Young soccer players in the region will have a direct pathway to professional soccer without leaving the area.
A spokesperson for the club emphasized the significance of this move, stating, “This isn’t just about Fort Wayne FC—it’s about building a soccer culture in Northeast Indiana.”
The Road Ahead for Fort Wayne FC
Before the 2026 jump, Fort Wayne FC will complete one more season in USL League Two. The club will use this time to fine-tune operations and build a roster capable of competing at the professional level.
A transition of this scale requires meticulous planning, from securing sponsorships to finalizing stadium logistics. The club’s management remains confident that everything will be in place when the time comes.
With the 2025 season set to be the club’s last in its current format, fans have one more summer to enjoy Fort Wayne FC in its USL2 era before the city officially welcomes professional soccer.
