ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced on Tuesday the club’s initial roster moves following the 2023 USL Championship season, with 12 players currently under contract for the 2024 USL Championship season.

The club also announced that Nicky Law will transition to an assistant coaching role with the club in the new campaign. An announcement regarding the club’s new Head Coach will be made on Thursday morning.

“I will always be grateful for having had the opportunity to lead this club during the second half of the season,” said Law. “I would like to take this moment to thank all the players, coaches and staff for welcoming me back with open arms since day one and working relentlessly from the get-go. I’m looking forward to continuing to be a part of this amazing club and helping bring a trophy to Tampa Bay.”

Among the returnees are both of the club’s 2023 USL Championship All-League First Team selections in midfielder Charlie Dennis and forward Cal Jennings, while other longtime standouts such as 2022 Championship Player of the Year Leo Fernandes, defenders Aaron Guillen, Forrest Lasso, Conner Antley and midfielders Lewis Hilton and Jordan Doherty are also set to return.

“We’d like to thank all the players, coaches and staff for their incredible efforts during this season," said Rowdies Vice Chairman Brian Auld. “While we did not end the year as we'd hoped, we are committed to learning from this season and continuously evolving both on and off the field in order to bring a championship to the Tampa Bay area.”

The Rowdies remain in conversation with more players regarding the potential to return, including goalkeeper Connor Sparrow and midfielder Yann Ekra, while five players are confirmed to depart. News regarding players with contract options will be announced in the near future.

Players under contract for 2024: Conner Antley, Charlie Dennis, Jordan Doherty, Leo Fernandes, Aaron Guillen, Dayonn Harris, Zachary Herivaux, Lewis Hilton, Cal Jennings, Forrest Lasso, Joshua Perez, JJ Williams

Players out of contract: Jake Areman, Raiko Arozarena, Abel Caputo, Yann Ekra, Ariel Martinez, Yann Ekra, Connor Sparrow

Loan ended: Jake LaCava

Ongoing Conversations for a new contract: Yann Ekra, Connor Sparrow