MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee Pro Soccer announced on Wednesday the deferral of its inaugural season in the USL Championship to the 2026 season, a year later than initially announced.

“As the highest level of pro soccer in the state of Wisconsin, we know we only have one opening day, and we want to make sure we get that product, that fan experience, and our facilities right,” said Conor Caloia, Milwaukee Pro Soccer’s Chief Operating Officer. “The stadium and experience we will bring will be worth the wait. We’re excited for a successful kickoff season in 2026.”

Earlier this month, the organization received a $9.3 million grant from the state of Wisconsin that will be part of funding for an 8,000-seat stadium within the Iron City District, a $220 million mixed use development that will also feature a hotel and an apartment complex. The latter of those are under construction on the west side of the Downtown Milwaukee site.

Milwaukee Pro Soccer continues to move forward with its agency partners at Cramer-Krasselt to develop a final team name, crest, and branding, and will continue conducting community engagement activities in the time leading up to its inaugural match.