If you are from Kentucky and you love soccer, you are probably wondering why there isn’t a Kentucky soccer team in the MLS. Well, there are a bunch of reasons, let’s get that thing straight from the start.
First of all, Kentucky isn’t really a soccer state. What’s the first sport that comes to mind when you hear Kentucky? – Probably horse racing, right?
With that said, the soccer scene in Kentucky isn’t a completely empty desert. There are a bunch of soccer teams and quite a few incredibly talented young athletes who have a bright future ahead.
Does this mean that Kentucky might soon have a team in the MLS? Well, not so fast. There are a lot of things we have to consider first. But let’s take a deep dive into the world of soccer in Kentucky and find out what is the true state of the sport in the Bluegrass State.
The State of Soccer in Kentucky
First, is soccer even popular in Kentucky? Well, the short answer is yes, but it’s complicated. Obviously, it isn’t as popular as other sports like horse racing, as people are more interested in setting up the perfect Kentucky Derby betting strategy rather than seeing which soccer teams scored the most goals.
With that said, it is important to mention that soccer has been gaining in popularity in the United States, and this trend has also been reflected in Kentucky. After all, we have big names like Messi joining the MLS a few years ago, so the sport seems like has a bright future in the U.S.
When it comes to Kentucky, there are a lot of youth soccer programs that are thriving, and soccer teams like the University of Kentucky Wildcats and the University of Louisville Cardinals are dominating the scene.
But when it comes to professional soccer, Kentucky is a bit of a blank spot on the map. There’s no MLS team, only one USL Championship team (the second tier of U.S. soccer), and not even a strong semi-professional presence. So, what’s the deal?
Why Doesn’t Kentucky Have an MLS Team?
Having a couple of college soccer teams doesn’t mean that it is time to join the MLS yet. After all, we are talking about the biggest soccer league, and it is all about market size.
First of all, the league trends to focus on big cities with large populations and strong support. Kentucky’s largest city, Louisville, has a population of 620,000, which is quite smaller than most MLS markets.
How is there not a MLS team in Kentucky called KFC
— A Chill Man (@1VeryChillDude) June 30, 2024
On top of that, if we take horse racing aside, the second most popular sport in Kentucky is baseball.
Lastly, there are certain stadium requirements in order to join the MLS league. The league requires a modern, soccer-specific stadium with a capacity of at least 20,000, and there is no such thing in Kentucky.
They can always build one but is a significant investment and it doesn’t make much sense if the interest in soccer is low.
Could Kentucky Support an MLS Team?
Now, let’s play devil’s advocate. Could Kentucky actually support an MLS team? Maybe. Here’s why:
- Soccer’s Growing Popularity: Soccer is the most popular sport among kids in the U.S., and Kentucky is no exception. As these kids grow up, they could become the next generation of soccer fans.
- Regional Rivalries: An MLS team in Kentucky could spark rivalries with nearby teams like FC Cincinnati, Nashville SC, or Atlanta United. Rivalries are great for fan engagement and ticket sales.
- Unique Identity: Kentucky has a strong cultural identity, and an MLS team could tap into that. Imagine a team called the Kentucky Bourbon FC or the Louisville Stallions. It’s got a nice ring to it, right?
What About Lower Leagues?
While MLS might be a stretch, Kentucky could still support a team in a lower league, like the USL Championship or USL League One. These leagues have lower financial barriers to entry and could serve as a steppingstone to building a soccer culture in the state.
In fact, Louisville City FC, which plays in the USL Championship, has been relatively successful. They’ve won multiple league titles and have a dedicated fan base. If they can keep growing, who knows? Maybe they could eventually make the jump to MLS.
Kentucky also has other soccer teams like Racing Louisville FC competing in the NWSL and the college teams we mentioned before.
What Would It Take to Bring MLS to Kentucky?
If Kentucky ever wants an MLS team, a few things will need to happen:
- A Soccer-Specific Stadium: This is non-negotiable. MLS won’t consider a city without a modern stadium.
- Corporate Backing: Local businesses would need to step up with sponsorships and partnerships.
- Fan Support: Kentuckians would need to show up—not just for the big games, but for every game.
- A Strong Ownership Group: MLS requires deep pockets. A wealthy ownership group with a vision for soccer in Kentucky would be essential.
Final Words
So, is it possible to see a Kentucky-based soccer team in the MLS in the future? Well, it is not out of the question, but it is safe to say that that won’t be happening anytime soon.
It will take a lot of work for Kentucky to build a strong soccer presence and, the only way to do that is to convince more people to watch soccer. As the interest goes higher, so will the investments and potential MLS opportunities.