Sarasota Paradise Joins USL League One: A New Era for Soccer in Southwest Florida

Sarasota Paradise 2025 Home & Away Schedule — Download the image as a Desktop Wallpaper *3840×2160

In a historic move for Sarasota’s sports landscape, Sarasota Paradise has announced its elevation from USL League Two to USL League One, marking a significant step toward professional soccer in Southwest Florida. The club, which has made waves since its inception in 2023, will officially begin competing at the professional level in the 2026 season.

This advancement reflects the club’s rapid growth and commitment to developing a strong soccer culture in the region. Under the leadership of CEO and Sporting Director Marcus Walfridson, Sarasota Paradise has achieved early success, earning USL League Two’s “New Organization of the Year” award in 2023 and winning the South Florida Division title in 2024.

What USL League One Means for Sarasota and Its Soccer Community

USL League One is the third tier of the U.S. soccer pyramid, sitting just below the USL Championship and Major League Soccer (MLS). The league has grown in prestige and now serves as a pathway for local talent to enter the professional ranks. Sarasota Paradise’s promotion to this level brings:

Professional Soccer to Sarasota – Fans will now have a homegrown professional team, allowing them to experience higher-caliber competition without traveling to Tampa or Miami.
A Talent Development Pipeline – The club will provide opportunities for local athletes to train and compete at a professional level, potentially launching their careers in the MLS or international leagues.
Increased Sports Tourism & Economic Impact – With visiting teams, fans, and media, Sarasota will see a boost in tourism, hotel stays, and local business revenue.
Stronger Community Engagement – Expect more youth programs, community events, and local sponsorships as Sarasota Paradise deepens its roots in the area.

Premier Sports Campus Renovations to Support Sarasota Paradise

As part of the transition to professional soccer, Sarasota Paradise will play home matches at the Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, which is undergoing significant renovations to become a top-tier sports venue.

Manatee County has approved a $44.2 million investment to develop a state-of-the-art Athletics and Aquatics Center, enhancing the region’s ability to host major sporting events. The renovations will include:

A 50-meter competition swimming pool
A therapy pool for rehabilitation and wellness
24 pickleball courts (14 of which will be covered)
Modern locker rooms and spectator facilities
Improved walking trails and outdoor recreation areas

This project, expected to be completed by late 2026, will solidify Lakewood Ranch as a premier destination for sports and fitness, ensuring that Sarasota Paradise has a high-quality venue for its professional debut.

A Bright Future for Soccer in Sarasota

The arrival of professional soccer in Sarasota and Manatee County represents a major milestone for the region’s sports community. With state-of-the-art facilities, increased local investment, and a growing fan base, Sarasota Paradise is poised to become a cornerstone of Florida’s soccer landscape.

As the countdown to the 2026 USL League One season begins, local fans can look forward to an exciting new chapter—one that brings big-time soccer to Southwest Florida while building a lasting legacy for the next generation of athletes.