Charlotte FC made its mark as one of Major League Soccer’s exciting expansion clubs, bringing new energy to American soccer. Founded in 2019, the Charlotte FC team began competing in 2022, creating a strong start that reflects their commitment and community spirit. The growing Charlotte FC history continues to shape soccer in North Carolina.
Established
2019
City
Charlotte
League History
2021 – Present / Major League Soccer
Team History
2021 – Present / Charlotte FC
Nickname
Charlotte FC – Charlotte FC, the newest Major League Soccer (MLS) team to join the league in 2021, has recently announced its official nickname. The name “Charlotte FC” was chosen to represent the city of Charlotte and its soccer fans. But what is behind this choice?
Charlotte FC Origin
The name “FC” stands for Football Club, a common term used throughout Europe and other parts of the world for professional soccer teams. This reflects Charlotte's status as an international destination with a diverse population that loves football just as much as any other part of America or Europe!
In addition to being symbolic of global recognition, many local ties are associated with this new club's name too! For example: "FC" also stands for "Futbol Club," which pays homage to Charlotte's rich history with Hispanic culture and its deep-rooted passion for futbol (soccer). It also acknowledges North Carolina’s thriving youth clubs which have been helping shape our region into one that embraces all aspects of sports from around the globe - including those from Latin America, such as futbol/soccer.
Furthermore, it honors Queen City Soccer – a grassroots organization founded by locals who wanted more opportunities in competitive play at home rather than having them travel out-of-state frequently–and recognizes how far they've come since then—from small kickabouts on neighborhood streets into becoming one big family united under one banner: 'Let Us Play.' Finally, it celebrates all those involved in ensuring future generations can enjoy playing soccer right here where they live—on fields across Mecklenburg County, thanks mainly to private investment initiatives like the Foundation For The Carolinas' Field Of Dreams project.
In short, the choice behind "Charlotte FC" isn't just about representing MLS but recognizing everyone whose hard work helped make dreams a reality so we could finally have our professional team here at home! So no matter if you're cheering on your favorite players or simply supporting your hometown club —you'll always be able to do so proudly, knowing exactly why we chose this memorable moniker back when MLS first permitted us to start building something unique together... Go, Team!"
Championship
MLS Cups 0
Stadium
2021 – Present / Bank of America Stadium
Owner
2019 - Present / David Tepper
- 2019
- 2020
- 2020
- 2021
- 2022
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Charlotte FC Formation
The Charlotte City Council approved $110 million in stadium and franchise funding in late November, using revenue from a hospitality tax. The MLS Board of Governors convened in early December to discuss the Charlotte bid and authorized final negotiations with Tepper. The expansion team was officially awarded to Charlotte by MLS at an event at the Mint Museum on December ... -
The club postpones its inaugural season due to the COVID-19
In 2020: The club postpones its inaugural season to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic on July 17, 2020. -
club hires Miguel Ángel Ramírez as its first head coach
On November 2020: The club hires Miguel Ángel Ramírez as its first head coach. -
Sergio Ruiz – First Charlotte Player
In 2021: The club signs its first player, Spanish defender Sergio Ruiz, from Racing Santander on July 8, 2021. The club participates in the 2021 MLS Expansion Draft on December 14, 2021, selecting five players from other MLS teams. The club also signs several players from other leagues, such as Brazilian midfielder Brandão from Atlético Mineiro and American forward Ricardo ... -
The club plays its first MLS game
In 2022: The club plays its first MLS game, losing 3-1 to Atlanta United FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 26, 20222 The club wins its first MLS game, beating New York City FC 2-1 at Bank of America Stadium on March 5, 20222 The club finishes its inaugural season in tenth place in the Eastern Conference and eighteenth place ...
Charlotte FC History
Charlotte FC is a professional soccer team that joined Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2022. The club was founded by Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper, alongside an influential ownership group that includes NBA legend Michael Jordan. This powerful partnership brought new energy and ambition to North Carolina’s growing soccer scene. Since the club’s creation, Charlotte FC has aimed to become one of MLS’s most competitive and community-driven franchises.
The Charlotte FC history officially began in December 2019, when the city of Charlotte was awarded the MLS expansion franchise. From that moment, excitement surged across the region as the ownership group began building the Charlotte FC team from the ground up. They focused on creating a strong roster, hiring experienced staff, and developing fan engagement programs that would unite supporters from all over the Carolinas.
The history of soccer in Charlotte stretches back decades. In 1997, the city’s first professional club, the Charlotte Eagles, joined the USL Pro League and played their inaugural matches at Memorial Stadium. Later, the Charlotte Independence carried the local soccer torch from 2014 to 2020, competing in the United Soccer League (USL) before stepping aside for the newly formed Charlotte FC. These earlier teams helped pave the way for the city’s rise to MLS status.
As anticipation built for the debut season, fans eagerly awaited the Charlotte FC team’s first match in 2022. The club entered the league alongside regional rivals such as Atlanta United and Orlando City SC, instantly creating exciting matchups in North America’s top soccer competition. With the guidance of sporting director Zoran Krneta, and a leadership group including former USMNT coach Bruce Arena and head coach Phil Neville, the team assembled a roster filled with international talent and promising local players.
Charlotte Achievements
The club made a strong impression in its debut season, drawing one of the largest crowds in MLS history for their home opener at Bank of America Stadium. The passion of their fans quickly earned Charlotte a reputation as one of the most electric soccer cities in the United States.
Over time, Charlotte FC History has continued to grow in strength and popularity. The Charlotte FC history is already filled with major milestones, including strong performances in their first few seasons and significant contributions to youth soccer development in North Carolina. The club has also launched community initiatives to expand the sport’s reach across the region.
Looking ahead, the Charlotte FC team aims to compete for major trophies while building a long-term legacy in Major League Soccer. With solid ownership, dedicated fans, and a strong foundation, Charlotte FC is on its way to becoming a cornerstone of American soccer and a symbol of pride for the Carolinas.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history