(PHOENIX) May 3, 2017 – Continuing its push for a Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion team, Phoenix Rising Football Club announced today that Goldman Sachs has been retained as structuring agent for the financing of its proposed climate-controlled MLS stadium.

“We are thrilled Phoenix is among the leading expansion markets for MLS,” said Brett M. Johnson, Co-Chairman and Alternate Governor of Phoenix Rising FC. “Goldman Sachs is a leader in sports finance and most recently capitalized the LAFC and D.C. United stadiums. With Goldman Sachs, and our unique partnership with the Solanna Group and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, we are prepared to privately fund a world-class, soccer-specific stadium in Phoenix’s most desirable location.”

MLS expansion is driven by several factors, including ownership group, market size and stadium financing plan. Retaining Goldman Sachs is the latest critical step in continuing Phoenix Rising’s rapid ascent to the finalist-list for MLS consideration.

Phoenix Rising FC’s proposed MLS stadium will be the centerpiece of a larger soccer complex and mixed use development that will accommodate the Phoenix Rising FC youth soccer academy, professional and community soccer events. Phoenix Rising FC’s plan is to privately fund the stadium on the 45-acre site already under contract and in use by the Club in partnership with the Solanna Group, a real estate development company within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

Today’s announcement represents another milestone for Phoenix Rising FC’s bid for a MLS expansion team. Of the 12 finalist cities for MLS expansion, Phoenix is ranked No. 1 in Millennials, Hispanics and total population. MLS would need to add expansion teams in two other cities on the list of finalists to equal the TV households of one expansion team located in Phoenix.

About Phoenix Rising FC

Phoenix Rising FC is the highest-level professional soccer franchise in Arizona’s history. Established in 2013, the club enters its fourth year in the United Soccer League, which has been awarded Division 2 status by the U.S. Soccer Federation.

Major League Soccer (MLS) recently announced Phoenix Rising FC as among 12 applicants being considered for a MLS Expansion Franchise. Phoenix Rising FC sold-out all three home matches played so far during the 2017 season with standing room only crowds in its new, soccer-specific stadium located at the northwest corner of the 101 and 202 freeways in south Scottsdale.

For more information about the club, visit the team's website at PhxRisingFC.com. You can also follow the team on Facebook (PHXRisingFC), Twitter (@PHXRisingFC), Instagram (@PHXRisingFC), Snapchat (PHXRisingFC) and YouTube (PhoenixRisingFootballClub). For season tickets or single-game tickets call (623) 594-9606 or visit PHXRisingFC.com.

About the USL

The USL is the world’s largest Division II professional soccer league, with 30 markets in 20 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces for the 2017 season. In total, the USL reaches a population of 75 million people, fueling the growth of professional soccer across North America.

In 2016, more than $100 million were invested league-wide into stadium infrastructure to create venues that deliver an unforgettable fan and competitor experience. The USL has national media partnerships with ESPN and SiriusXM, and recently invested $10 million to create USL Productions – which includes a state-of-the-art facility that will produce and distribute nearly 500 league matches and more than 1,000 hours of original content to national partners, local affiliates, USL’s Match Center and international markets.

A growing league, the USL has more than doubled in size since 2014, with Ottawa Fury FC, Reno 1868 FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies debuting in 2017. Nashville SC is the first club set to join the league for 2018. Beyond league play, the USL regularly features international exhibitions against leading Premier League, Liga MX, and Bundesliga clubs, among others.

Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., the USL provides unparalleled club support with a growing team of 50 professionals across 17 departments, ranging from operations to marketing, communications and sponsorship. Follow the USL at USLSoccer.com, the USL Match Center, and on social media via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

