Buffalo Pro Soccer Reopens Site Selection Process After Decision to Not Pursue Stadium at Elk and Lee Streets

BUFFALO, NY (July 3, 2025) — Today, Buffalo Pro Soccer announced that it will no longer pursue its planned stadium site at Elk and Lee Streets. The club has reached an agreement with South Buffalo Development to terminate its lease after an inability to work through disputes relating to the operation of the neighboring PVS Chemicals facility. Buffalo Pro Soccer has officially reopened the site selection process with plans to play its inaugural season in 2027.

“From day one, our goal has been clear: to build the best possible home for Buffalo Pro Soccer—one that reflects the spirit and strength of this city,” said Peter Marlette, Jr., President of Buffalo Pro Soccer. “Our vision remains unchanged, and we’re working on a new plan that we believe will be even more impactful for Buffalo and our fans. We’ve already begun re-evaluating two previously vetted sites and are also exploring several new options under consideration.”

“Projects of this scale and importance often encounter challenges along the way. What hasn’t changed is my belief in Buffalo Pro Soccer and the vision behind this stadium project,” said Jon M. Williams, CEO of Viridi, founder of OSC, and investor in Buffalo Pro Soccer. “I’m as committed as ever, both as an investor and as a passionate supporter, and I’m energized by the opportunity to help make professional soccer a reality in Buffalo.”

While the club looks ahead, it also acknowledges those who have stood alongside them as the project neared its groundbreaking. “To the residents of the Seneca Babcock and Valley neighborhoods: thank you. Your enthusiasm and support have meant everything. This would have been an outstanding site for the stadium,” Marlette added. “We are grateful for the encouragement and advocacy we’ve received from across the city, which has shown us the growth and passion of our vibrant fanbase.”

With the support of its investors, and all the necessary partners and development infrastructure already in place, Buffalo Pro Soccer is moving decisively to secure a new home for professional soccer in Buffalo. The club looks forward to sharing further stadium updates as soon as they become available.

All season ticket deposits made by the club’s Founding Members will still be applied to Buffalo Pro Soccer’s inaugural season. The Buffalo Pro Soccer Youth Academy teams, which are already participating in high-level national and regional competitions, will continue to practice and play their matches at the existing fields at Elk and Lee Streets through the end of the year.

Buffalo Pro Soccer looks forward to engaging with fans and providing further updates at its next Community Town Hall, scheduled for Thursday, July 17 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Hydraulic Hearth in Larkinville.

Buffalo Pro Soccer Unveils Plans to Bring Highest Levels of USL Professional Soccer to Buffalo

Soccer executive Peter Marlette, Jr. of Buffalo to bring a USL Championship club to hometown by 2026; exclusive agreement with USL sets stage for new stadium development

Western New York native and experienced sports executive Peter Marlette, Jr., has announced the formation of Buffalo Pro Soccer – a group that plans to bring a USL Championship club to Buffalo by 2026 through an exclusive partnership with United Soccer League (USL).

As President of Buffalo Pro Soccer, Marlette will work alongside club ownership, elected officials, community leaders, business partners, strategic advisors, and the USL to bring the highest levels of USL professional soccer to Western New York. Over the past several months, Marlette has been actively meeting and engaging with local officials and sports leaders to gain insights that will shape the professional soccer club in his hometown.

“Given soccer’s incredible growth trajectory in the United States, it’s time that Buffalo — one of America’s most passionate sports cities — joins the movement with its own professional club,” said Peter Marlette, Jr., President of Buffalo Pro Soccer. “This club will represent the hard work, resilience, innovation, and pride that our community is known for. I’m committed to building a winning USL Championship club and I look forward to collaborating with everyone who believes in Buffalo. Together, we’ll write a new chapter in our city’s vibrant civic and sports history.”

Marlette is a Buffalo native who played five seasons with FC Buffalo. He served the past three years as General Manager of Union Omaha, the 2021 USL League One champions and winners of two regular season titles. He previously worked in business development for FC Dallas of Major League Soccer.

The United Soccer League (USL) is shaping the future of soccer in America as the first to build complete youth-to-pro pathways for men and women in one ecosystem. With teams in more than 200 communities across the country, the USL has emerged as one of the world’s fastest growing and most respected sports organizations.

“Buffalo is home to some of the most fervent and proud sports fans in the world, and we know they will embrace and support a professional soccer club of their own,” USL Deputy CEO Justin Papadakis said. “Peter Marlette is a Buffalo soccer product with experience at all levels of the game and a deep commitment to the community he calls home. With his leadership, a growing, diverse population of young professionals, and a pent-up demand for the global game, Buffalo is poised to create a flagship club during this transformative moment in American soccer.”

While the club’s initial focus is on launching its USL Championship men’s team, Buffalo Pro Soccer also intends to pursue a professional women’s soccer team in the USL Super League, which launches in August with Division I sanctioning. This phased approach will help accelerate the club’s path to kicking off its first season in the USL Championship as it continues to galvanize local support for the eventual launch of the women’s team.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and his staff have expressed support for Buffalo Pro Soccer, as they consult with Marlette on potential stadium sites.

“This is an exciting time for sports in Buffalo. I commend Peter Marlette, the president of Buffalo Pro Soccer, for his plans to bring United Soccer League professional soccer to our city,” said City of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown. “Buffalo is known worldwide as a great city for sports, and this will add to our reputation. I wish Buffalo Pro Soccer the best of luck.”