North Carolina FC Future Depends on Raleigh Stadium Plan, Owner Says

North Carolina FC future depends on Raleigh stadium plan, owner says

North Carolina FC will exit the USL Championship after 2025 as owner Steve Malik pursues entry into the new Division One league — requiring a 15,000-seat stadium. With WakeMed’s 10,000-seat capacity, Malik is pushing for a new Raleigh venue, calling top-tier soccer vital for the Triangle and shifting focus to the N.C. Courage.

North Carolina FC to cease operations after 2025 season; apply for membership in new top league

North Carolina FC is applying to join the United Soccer League's new Division One league. The move means the club won't play in the USL's Championship league after 2025 and will suspend operations in 2026 and 2027.

North Carolina FC’s hiatus exposes the cracks beneath the USL’s expressed ambition

Days before their playoff appearance in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the USL announced that North Carolina FC will not field a USL Championship team in 2026. The USL also announced North Carolina FC’s hopes of returning at the first-division level in 2028.The club’s decision is major news, and it says plenty about the paradox at the heart of the USL’s ambitions.Now in their 19th season of operation, North Carolina FC was founded as the “Ca…