Phoenix Rising FC: From Desert Roots to MLS Ambitions
Like its mythical namesake, the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex emerged swiftly from the desert landscape in just 53 days. This development ignited the hopes of Valley soccer fans long awaiting a professional team to champion. Club Governor and owner Berke Bakay assembled a powerhouse ownership group, including world-renowned DJ Diplo, Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz, MLB player Brandon McCarthy, and prominent Phoenix business leaders. They acquired the USL Championship club formerly known as Arizona United Soccer Club, rebranding it as a strong contender for expansion into Major League Soccer (MLS), the pinnacle of U.S. professional soccer.
Bakay faced the daunting challenge of securing a new home venue and generating sufficient momentum to capture MLS attention amid competition from 11 other U.S. cities vying for one of four expansion spots.
With building rights secured on Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community land near Curry Road at the 101 and 202 freeway intersection, construction of the 6,200-seat Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex commenced. Located in south Scottsdale just north of Tempe, the venue debuted in late March 2017. The club rebranded as Phoenix Rising FC, signing global stars Omar Bravo and Shaun Wright-Phillips, and drawing passionate crowds to home games.
The soccer world took notice. As the nation's fifth-largest city—and the largest without an MLS team—Phoenix boasts a vibrant Latino and Millennial population, making it a prime expansion candidate. Bakay leveraged connections from his Turkish roots and boyhood club Galatasaray FC to engage soccer icon and former Chelsea star Didier Drogba. In January, before construction began, Drogba visited Arizona. He signed not only as a player but also as a part-owner, drawn by the vision of bringing MLS to Phoenix. Drogba made his debut on June 10 against Vancouver Whitecaps II, scoring and assisting in a 2-1 victory, with highlights circulating globally, including MLS headquarters in Manhattan.
MLS executives toured Phoenix in May, witnessing firsthand the Valley's soccer fervor and demand for top-tier professional play. The current site is earmarked for a expansive soccer complex featuring a 20,000+ seat, climate-controlled, soccer-specific stadium. Backed by private funding from Goldman Sachs and partnerships with the Native American community, the financial plan avoids public financing, strengthening Phoenix's bid.
The path to MLS expansion remains competitive, with two of the four new clubs expected to be announced by year's end for 2020 entry.
Phoenix Rising FC and its ownership group believe their compelling bid is irresistible, as fans ride the wave of soccer excitement toward MLS. Stay tuned!
Phoenix Rising FC schedules games through mid-October, with home matches starting at 7:30 p.m. Check the official Phoenix Rising FC website for schedules, tickets, and details on this dynamic team.
At home games, join the official Pre-Match Party at Thirsty Lion Gastropub and Grill at Tempe Marketplace. Enjoy happy hour specials on cocktails, draft beer, and food from 3-6 p.m., plus free shuttle service to and from games. Post-game happy hour runs from 9 p.m. to close.
