North American Soccer League Announces Addition of Puerto Rico FC

The North American Soccer League has announced that it will add a 13th club, Puerto Rico FC, which will begin play in 2016. Puerto Rico FC will be owned by NBA player Carmelo Anthony and will join Miami FC as the league’s newest team.

“I am committed to bring soccer to the next level in Puerto Rico,” Anthony said. “To the thousands of fans in Puerto Rico that have been waiting for soccer to come back, I can promise a world-class organization in a world-class league, with a strong social mission to provide kids the opportunity to participate in this growing sport.”

The New York Knicks star has deep ties to the island of Puerto Rico. He and his wife are of Puerto Rican descent. Through work with his foundation, for the past six years Anthony has been traveling to the island to host charity events and restore basketball courts in underprivileged communities.

“With Carmelo Anthony leading the charge, Puerto Rico FC has an owner who is very passionate about the great people of the island and the sport of soccer,” said NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson. “He is an extremely talented and focused businessman who sees the many opportunities that will be developed through the club. Puerto Rico FC will be a very special club, and we’re proud to have them in the NASL.

Puerto Rico FC will play its home matches at the recently renovated Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium. Located in Bayamón, the 12,500-seat stadium currently serves as the home base for the Puerto Rico national team.