Soccer is growing at an unprecedented rate across North Carolina, fueled by Major League Soccer’s (MLS) expansion, increasing youth participation, and rising investments in infrastructure. Charlotte FC, owned by billionaire David Tepper, has set the stage for high-level professional soccer in the state, drawing record crowds and making waves in the Eastern Conference. As the sport continues to thrive, questions emerge: Is Durham poised to join the soccer revolution? Will city leaders, private investors, or local business elites back a professional club in the Bull City?
The Growth of Soccer in North Carolina
Soccer’s surge in popularity isn’t unique to North Carolina but reflects a broader national trend. According to U.S. Youth Soccer, participation has increased by over 30% in the past decade. At the collegiate level, North Carolina boasts powerhouse programs such as UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University, and Wake Forest, all producing top-tier talent for professional leagues.
Charlotte FC, which launched in 2022 as an expansion franchise, shattered expectations by drawing over 74,000 fans to its inaugural home match at Bank of America Stadium—one of the largest crowds in MLS history. The franchise, owned by Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper, has since developed into a competitive club, proving that North Carolinians are ready to support top-flight soccer.
Yet, professional soccer isn’t just confined to Charlotte. Lower-division teams, including North Carolina FC in Cary and the Charlotte Independence, have maintained dedicated fanbases. The Triangle area has long been a soccer hotbed, but does it have the economic and political backing to bring an MLS or USL Championship team to Durham?
Durham’s Viability as a Soccer City
Durham, home to a growing economy and a burgeoning sports culture, presents an interesting case. The city is known for its passionate support of Duke basketball and the Durham Bulls, a minor league baseball staple. Yet, professional soccer has yet to find a foothold here. The question is whether Durham’s investors, local government, or business community would support such an endeavor.
A key advantage for Durham is its location within the Research Triangle, a region that has already shown strong soccer interest. North Carolina FC, based in Cary, has struggled in its bid to rejoin MLS but continues to attract local talent and fans. Additionally, Durham has seen a surge in economic development, with tech companies and corporate headquarters expanding in the city. With increased disposable income and a growing young professional demographic, a soccer franchise could tap into an emerging market.
However, challenges remain. Unlike Charlotte, Durham lacks a suitable stadium for a professional soccer team. While Durham County Stadium or a repurposed venue could serve as a temporary home, any serious bid would likely require substantial investment in infrastructure. Additionally, competition from established teams like Charlotte FC and North Carolina FC could make it harder to build a dedicated fanbase.
The Role of Investors and Local Government
For Durham to host a professional soccer team, investment from private and public sectors is crucial. The city’s business leaders, including prominent venture capital firms and major corporate players, would need to spearhead funding efforts. Charlotte FC’s success is largely attributed to David Tepper’s deep pockets—would a local figure in Durham be willing to play a similar role?
Public support is another factor. Durham’s city government has historically invested in sports, such as renovations for the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Yet, securing taxpayer money for a soccer stadium may be a harder sell, particularly given ongoing debates about affordable housing and public transportation needs.
One potential model is a USL Championship team, a second-tier professional league that requires a lower investment threshold than MLS. Cities like Louisville, Sacramento, and Indianapolis have successfully launched USL franchises with eventual MLS aspirations. Could Durham follow suit?
What’s Next for Soccer in Durham?
For now, Durham remains an untapped market. While the city has a thriving soccer culture at the youth and collegiate levels, the next step requires a combination of corporate sponsorships, investor interest, and community engagement.
With Charlotte FC proving that high-level soccer can succeed in North Carolina, the door is open for other cities to follow. Durham has the demographics, economic growth, and sports passion to make a case for a professional team—but whether local leaders and investors are ready to take that step remains to be seen.
As the Bull City Citizen continues to cover the latest in local sports and business developments, we’ll keep a close eye on whether Durham positions itself as North Carolina’s next soccer city. For more in-depth reporting and analysis, visit our website and stay informed on the future of sports in the Triangle.
