MLS NEXT Pro today announced the addition of an independent club that brings 15 years of history to the League. Chattanooga FC will join MLS NEXT Pro in 2024, becoming the second independent team to begin play next season. Pending sanctioning approval by the U.S. Soccer Federation, Chattanooga FC will join fellow independent club Carolina Core FC and 27 MLS-affiliated clubs for the League’s third season in 2024. Chattanooga is the fourth independent club to join MLS NEXT Pro since its inaugural season, following Jacksonville Armada FC, which was announced earlier this month, and the previously announced Cleveland.
Chattanooga FC has had an impactful and successful 15-year history, including most recently finishing first in the NISA 2023 regular season and advancing to the semi-final playoff round under the guidance of Head Coach and Sporting Director Rod Underwood. CFC competed in NISA for the past three seasons and were Independent Cup champions from the southeast region all three years.
“Since its founding, Chattanooga FC has been a pillar in the community through its efforts both on and off the field. We are thrilled to welcome the Club to our League,” said Charles Altchek, President of MLS NEXT Pro. “We look forward to partnering with Davis Grizzard and making a significant and lasting impact in Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.”
Led by original founders and primary owner and Vice Chairman Davis Grizzard, CFC features a fan ownership model, with more than 3,200 fans, including 1,800 Chattanoogans, owning shares in the Club. There are fan-owners in all 50 states and in more than 30 countries.
