United Soccer League awards rights to Sarasota Paradise for League One franchise
SARASOTA, Fla. — The United Soccer League (USL) and Sarasota Paradise announced today that professional soccer is coming to Sarasota, Florida. Led by Marcus Walfridson, CEO and sporting director, Sarasota Paradise will move from USL League Two to USL League One and become the city’s first professional soccer team, as well as the only independent professional sports organization in Sarasota.
“The Sarasota Paradise embodies the passion and ambition we value in USL communities,” said Justin Papadakis, USL deputy-CEO and chief real estate officer. “This move to the professional ranks isn’t just about elevating the club — it’s about strengthening soccer’s presence in an area with a deep appreciation for arts, entertainment and sports. With a strong foundation and a vision for long-term success, Sarasota Paradise is ready to take this next step. The Sarasota region has long been a hub for elite athletic development, shaped by the legacy of world-class facilities like IMG Academy and the continued expansion of Premier Sports Campus, the club’s home. That foundation well positions Sarasota Paradise to grow and thrive in USL League One.”
Sarasota Paradise came to fruition when Walfridson, a devoted soccer entrepreneur from Sweden, fell in love with Sarasota and recognized a need for a professional sports team that could help bring the community together and make everyone feel like they were part of the same great place.
Since its launch in 2023, the pre-professional soccer team has seen much success, including being named New Organization of the Year by the USL in 2023, having its first player in the team’s history be drafted into the MLS, and being named division champions and attending playoffs in Asheville, North Carolina.
Walfridson will serve as managing partner of the League One team through Audigr Group Inc., a global sports and entertainment enterprise founded by Walfridson, with Kenneth Bethune as principal team owner. Bethune is a Texas-based entrepreneur and attorney with a diverse portfolio of ventures, and is also co-founder of AGI and SP.
Additionally, the Papanicholas family will be a minority partner and provide extensive knowledge and resources to design and develop short-term and long-term facility strategies and capital improvements that will benefit the team and community.
“Kenneth and I have had a shared vision from the very start of this project and that was to evolve Sarasota Paradise,” said Walfridson. “A sustainable club needs genuine support, and genuine support comes from a shared story — one with ups, downs, surprises and growth. Starting in USL League Two let us build from scratch, creating a true journey with our community as we work toward a professional team. Over the past few years, we have built Sarasota Paradise one season at a time, with our fans, for our community. This endeavor is about more than just soccer; it’s about creating something enduring. With the backing of local government officials, advisors, players, fans and so many more, I am thrilled to be bringing professional soccer to our community.”
The team is currently adding additional investors.
Last year, Sarasota Paradise announced Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch will be its new home field for the upcoming 2025 League Two season beginning in mid-May and running through July. Fans are encouraged to follow along with the upcoming season to see if anyone from the League Two team will make the professional League One roster in 2026.
Located in the heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Premier Sports Campus is a true haven for sports enthusiasts, athletes and spectators alike. With world-class facilities and a commitment to fostering a love for sports, the campus is the ultimate destination for sporting excellence.
“As a proud representative of our community, I am delighted that the Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch has been named the new home field for Sarasota Paradise of the USL League,” said Commissioner Dr. Bob McCann of the Manatee County Board of Commissioners. “This exciting development not only highlights the top-tier quality of our local facilities, but it also reinforces our commitment to fostering growth and excellence in sports. We are thrilled to welcome Sarasota Paradise and look forward to the incredible energy and enthusiasm this will bring to Lakewood Ranch.”
The property is equipped with 23 FIFA regulation fields and a stadium with more than 3,000 seats. Each field is comprised of Celebration-seeded Bermuda grass, which has excellent wear tolerance and is the preferred surface for reducing player injuries.
On Saturday, Feb. 22 at 5 p.m., Sarasota Paradise will open its team store at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch. Located at the stadium entrance where concessions are, the opening event for the store will include activities and opportunities to meet Sarasota Paradise staff.
For more information, visit SarasotaParadise.us.
About Sarasota Paradise
Launched in 2023, Sarasota Paradise is a USL League Two team based in Sarasota, Florida. The men’s pre-professional soccer team aims to bring high-level soccer to Sarasota and the surrounding community, with a commitment to nurturing local talent and providing a platform for aspiring players. In 2025, the team was awarded the rights to a League One franchise, becoming the city’s first professional soccer team.
Founded by Marcus Walfridson, Sarasota Paradise came to fruition when Walfridson, a devoted soccer entrepreneur from Sweden, fell in love with Sarasota and recognized a need for a professional sports team that could help bring the community together and make everyone feel like they were part of the same great place. Since then, the team has seen much success, including being named New Organization of the Year by the USL in 2023 and having its first player in the team’s history be drafted into the MLS.
To learn more, visit SarasotaParadise.us.