D.C. United is expanding its reach. The District’s MLS club announced plans Thursday to bring a new soccer venue to Baltimore, along with a minor league club and a women’s team.
The planned site, in the Carroll Park section of the city, would also include a youth academy to complement the MLS Next Pro team and a USL Super League women’s squad.
“We’ve got a strong, passionate soccer fan base,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said Thursday in a joint press conference with D.C. United CEO Jason Levien. “We look forward to working with everyone to make sure that professional soccer has a home here in Baltimore.”
The proposal is now in its funding phase, Mr. Levien and Mr. Scott said.
It’s unclear where the money would come from.
A study from the Maryland Stadium Authority estimated that a 7,500-seat facility would cost $200 million to build.
“We’re in those discussions now about how we’re going to get this funded,” Mr. Levien said, noting that the franchise was pursuing a public-private partnership for the project. State and local lawmakers have not signed off on any stadium deal yet.
Baltimore will host an MLS match between D.C. United and Inter Miami — superstar Lionel Messi’s club — at the Baltimore Ravens’ stadium on March 7.
“D.C. United, thank you for betting on our city,” Mr. Scott wrote on X after the press conference. “We are proud to welcome you to Baltimore next month and for the years to come.”
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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