LEXINGTON, Ky. & TAMPA, Fla. — Lexington Sporting Club is taking a step up in competition for the 2025 season. 

The United Soccer League announced Aug. 13 Lexington SC will join the USL Championship for the 2025 season, which is the top level of the USL's men's pathway and is sanctioned as the only Division II league by the U.S. Soccer Federation. The club is playing its second season in USL League One, a Division III-sanctioned league, at the 5,000-seat Toyota Stadium, which Georgetown College owns and operates. 

"Elevating to the USL Championship is the culmination of our efforts to build a premier soccer club in Lexington,” said Lexington SC Owner Bill Shively. “This move is a natural next step in our journey, reflecting our commitment to developing talent and growing the sport at the highest level."

Completion of Lexington SC's brand-new 7,500-seat stadium enables the club to join the league, said the team and USL Championship. The state-of-the-art facility features seven training and youth club fields with an $80 million investment from club ownership into the community.

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton speaks at a news conference Aug. 13, 2024, as Lexington Sporting Club announces its move to the USL Championship for the 2025 season. (Lexington Sporting Club)

“Lexington SC has all the building blocks in place with the youth club, Academy pathway and soccer-specific stadium and training complex to compete at the highest level,” said USL Championship President Jeremy Alumbaugh. “The investment from club ownership into the stadium and facilities represents a long-term commitment to the Lexington community. We are excited to welcome Lexington SC to the league next season and look forward to new regional rivalries to engage fans and supporters.”

The addition of Lexington SC and expansion club Brooklyn FC brings the USL Championship to 26 teams competing in the 2025 season. Adding Lexington SC will help foster an in-state rivalry with Louisville City FC. 

“Joining the USL Championship represents a new era for Lexington Sporting Club,” said Stephen Dawahare, co-owner of Lexington SC. “This move isn’t just a promotion; it’s a clear signal of our commitment to elevating soccer in this region and providing a platform for our players to shine.”

Lexington SC is just weeks away from debuting its new stadium, when the club faces Tampa Bay Sun FC Sept. 8 in its USL Super League home opener. The men will make their debut at the stadium Sept. 14 against One Knoxville SC for the first of their final three home matches of 2024.