USL1 United Soccer League One

Brooklyn, N.Y. awarded USL League One franchise

June 8, 2023 - United Soccer League One (USL1) News Release


BROOKLYN, N.Y. & TAMPA, Fla. - The United Soccer League today confirmed that Brooklyn, N.Y. and North Sixth Group have been awarded a USL League One franchise to begin competing in 2025.

"With world-renowned arts, food, music and nightlife, a tremendous mix of cultures among more than 2.6 million residents, and immense local pride, Brooklyn is the perfect home for a professional USL club," USL Deputy CEO Justin Papadakis said.

"Brooklyn is a globally recognized home for what's cool now and what's going to be cool next," Papadakis added. "We believe that Brooklyn's USL club will become a leading soccer brand not only in the United States but also around the world. We look forward to working together with the club and the passionate soccer fans of Brooklyn as we continue to shape the future of soccer in America."

North Sixth Group is a New York-based family office operating company that provides strategic services, operating expertise and capital to companies across the globe. North Sixth Group's current holdings span the financial services, media, professional services, sports and entertainment, technology and wine and spirits sectors.

North Sixth Group and Chairman Matt Rizzetta are familiar with soccer and hold investments in a pair of professional Italian clubs in second-division Ascoli Calcio 1898 FC (Serie B) and fourth-division Campobasso Football Club (Serie D). North Sixth Group acquired an ownership interest in Ascoli in 2021 and acquired a controlling interest in Campobasso in 2022 after making its first investment in the club in 2020. Ascoli has competed in Italy's Serie A or Serie B for more than 40 seasons, while Campobasso won promotion to Serie D in the 2022-23 season.

"We know that Brooklyn will become a transformational market for soccer in the United States," Rizzetta said. "I cannot think of a place that better represents the cultural diversity, passion and ambition that has made soccer the world's most beautiful game.

"We would like to thank the USL for awarding us the rights to bring professional soccer to the world's borough. We are excited to get to work and to begin building something truly special that will make everyone who identifies with Brooklyn extremely proud."

"Matt Rizzetta and his New York-based team at North Sixth Group are assembling a first-class ownership group that we are thrilled to welcome to the USL, especially given their local ties, experience in owning professional clubs in Italy, and expertise in creating, promoting and scaling companies across various sectors," Papadakis said.

More information regarding the development of the club, including a reveal of the club name and brand and a celebration event, will be announced in the coming weeks.

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