TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League (USL) today approved the transfer of Memphis 901 FC’s Championship franchise rights to Santa Barbara SKY FC, owned by Peter Moore, effective immediately.  

Due to challenges in securing a dedicated soccer venue in Memphis—including a setback with Liberty Park, where municipal funds were allocated to other initiatives—the club, after six years in the USL Championship, was ultimately unable to put a viable, long-term stadium solution in place. As a result, the franchise rights have been transferred to Santa Barbara’s SKY FC, which will begin play in the USL Championship in the 2026 season. 

“After evaluating multiple potential stadium options, unfortunately, the path to finding a permanent home for Memphis 901 FC did not materialize,” said Justin Papadakis, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Real Estate Officer. “A stadium is the cornerstone of a club’s long-term stability and growth. In the USL Championship, clubs like Louisville City FC and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC have shown how investing in soccer-specific venues creates lifelong fan connections and contributes meaningfully to the local economy. These stadiums are essential to our vision for professional soccer, creating spaces where clubs integrate deeply with their communities, fostering local pride, and positively impacting the region.” 

Santa Barbara SKY FC’s entry into the USL Championship represents a significant investment in soccer on the West Coast. Through a multi-year partnership with the University of California, Santa Barbara, the club will play at UCSB’s Harder Stadium – a 17,000-seat, soccer-specific venue featuring natural grass fields, close-pitch seating, and tailored amenities.  

Led by Moore, former Chief Executive Officer of Liverpool FC, Santa Barbara SKY FC founder, and Santa Barbara resident, the club has committed to further stadium enhancements, including upgraded fan facilities and improved amenities, to create a top-tier matchday experience in preparation for their 2026 debut. 

“This is an incredible moment for Santa Barbara and our soccer community,” Moore said. “Joining the USL Championship allows us to compete at the league’s highest level and bring professional soccer to an area with deep roots in the sport. Our partnership and investment with UCSB’s Harder stadium underscores the team’s stability, strengthens our ties to the community, and delivers a world-class experience for players and fans alike.” 

The USL and its clubs continue to raise the standard of the league with the development of new soccer-specific stadiums across the country. In 2024, Lexington SC opened a 7,500-seat venue, and Rhode Island FC will debut a 10,500-seat stadium next season. Recently, Sacramento Republic FC announced its plans for a new stadium at The Railyards, which will anchor a 31-acre development to revitalize downtown and create new economic opportunities. Other USL Championship clubs, including New Mexico United and Detroit City FC are also advancing stadium projects.