Major League Soccer and KKR Form New Platform to Scale MLS NEXT Pro.

Roger Hampel

Image: Major League Soccer

Major League Soccer has secured a strategic investment from KKR to accelerate the growth of MLS NEXT Pro, formalising the partnership through the creation of a new operating platform, Hometown Soccer Holdings (HSH).

The structure positions HSH as the commercial and development engine behind MLS NEXT Pro, with a mandate covering expansion into new markets, stadium development and the build-out of club-level operations.

Investment Targets Expansion, Infrastructure and Club Development

The partnership is designed to scale MLS NEXT Pro beyond its current footprint by focusing on three areas: new club creation, infrastructure investment and matchday experience.

HSH will work alongside MLS and local stakeholders to launch new teams, particularly in markets without existing MLS presence. Stadium development forms a central part of the strategy, with an emphasis on smaller, soccer-specific venues tied to local identity.

The model combines centralised investment with local execution, allowing for consistent standards while maintaining market-specific positioning.

Hometown Soccer Holdings has been established as a standalone platform to manage this expansion. It will be led by Tom Glick as CEO and Chris Klein as President, both bringing experience across MLS, European football and broader sports operations.

Development Pathway MLS

Since launching in 2022, MLS NEXT Pro has become a key component of the North American player development system. More than 250 players have progressed from the league into MLS first-team contracts, reinforcing its role within the broader talent pipeline.

Executive Comments

MLS Commissioner Don Garber linked the investment to both sporting and commercial growth, speaking via the league’s official communication:

“This investment will help build and grow MLS NEXT Pro… expanding into new markets, developing infrastructure and strengthening connections with communities.”

Ali Curtis, President of MLS NEXT Pro, highlighted the timing of the deal:

“This partnership will support both our short- and long-term growth objectives… and strengthen our ability to expand and develop the next generation of talent.”

From the investor side, Ted Oberwager of KKR outlined the operational focus:

“We see an opportunity to build a more modern, scalable operating model… combining infrastructure, technology and local execution.”