CT United FC
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| Full name | Connecticut United FC | |||
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| Founded | January 9, 2024 | |||
| Stadium | New Waterfront Stadium | |||
| Owner(s) | André Swanston Michelle Swanston | |||
| Manager | Shavar Thomas | |||
| League | MLS Next Pro | |||
| Website | ctunited.com | |||
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CT United FC, also known as Connecticut United FC, is a planned American professional soccer expansion team that will be based in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The club is anticipated to begin play in MLS Next Pro in 2026.
History
On January 9, 2024, MLS Next Pro awarded an expansion team to a group from the city of Bridgeport, Connecticut.[1][2] The ownership group, named Connecticut Sports Group, consists of businessman André Swanston and his wife Michelle Swanston.[1]
Originally set to begin play in 2025, the team's debut was delayed to 2026.[3]
Stadium
The club plans to play at a new stadium to be located on the waterfront at a former dog-racing track; stadium plans were approved by the Bridgeport government in November 2023.[4] In October 2025, the Connecticut Mirror reported that the club would launch before their stadium was ready and play their inaugural season at different venues around the state.[5]
Academy
The club's academy teams play in MLS Next. The inaugural season for the U14 and U16 teams was the fall 2024 season.[6]
At the 2025 MLS Next Fest, the club's U15 team became the first team from the state of Connecticut to qualify for the Generation Adidas Cup, defeating Chattanooga FC in the MLS NEXT Pro GA Cup Qualifier Championship.
Players and staff
Current roster
- As of January 29, 2026
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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See also
References
- ^ a b "Connecticut United Football Club Announced as Newest Independent Team to Join MLS NEXT Pro" (Press release). January 9, 2024. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
- ^ "CONNECTICUT AWARDED MLS NEXT PRO EXPANSION TEAM". Retrieved January 9, 2024.
- ^ "Pro soccer debut delayed in Bridgeport until 2026". News 12 - Default. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
- ^ Phillips, Erica E. (January 9, 2024). "New minor league soccer team, stadium planned for Bridgeport". Hartford Courant. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
- ^ Lockhart, P.R. (October 29, 2025). "CT United FC will launch without a stadium. That wasn't the original plan". The Connecticut Mirror. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
- ^ ""Today marks the start of the inaugural season for @ctunitedacademy's U14 & U16 teams!..."". www.instagram.com. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
