Buffalo Pro Soccer delays launch as stadium and ownership talks advance

Buffalo Pro Soccer will not begin play in 2027, delaying the launch of their proposed USL Championship and Gainbridge Super League teams as work continues on ownership and stadium plans.The organisation has not set a revised opening season, making this the second delay after environmental concerns forced them to abandon their original stadium site and move the proposed launch from 2026 to 2027.Peter Marlette Jr., Buffalo Pro Soccer founder and president, said: “While we know how much excitement there is to see this club take the field, this is the right decision for the long-term success of professional soccer in Buffalo. Our goal has never been simply to launch a team.“It is to build a club that can thrive in Western New York for generations, with the right ownership, stadium plan, academy pathway, community foundation and competitive infrastructure in place from day one.”Buffalo Pro Soccer said they have assembled an ownership group and are preparing to announce a principal owner who shares their ambitions for the club.Securing that investor is critical because USL ownership requirements demand substantial capital backing, while the stadium project will require additional financing and long-term operating commitments.Marlette stated: “My commitment to this project is stronger today than it has ever been. Over the past year, we have made meaningful progress, built real momentum and continued to strengthen the foundation for what this club can become.“We are grateful for the energy, enthusiasm, patience and trust our supporters have shown throughout this process.”The organisation also said they are in advanced discussions over a site for the club’s future home and expect to provide further information about construction planning.Their preferred concept remains a modular, soccer-specific venue, with major elements built off-site before being assembled in Buffalo to reduce construction time and support future expansion.Buffalo Pro Soccer initially planned to build Queen City Field at the former Medaille Sports Complex but withdrew from the site in July 2025 because of environmental concerns linked to a neighbouring chemical plant.The latest delay creates pressure around sponsor discussions, staffing, supporter confidence and season-ticket deposits, particularly after the organisation had already promoted two separate launch dates.Work is continuing through Buffalo Pro Soccer Academy under academy director William Malott, with the development programme intended to create a pathway for local players into the future professional teams.The organisation is also running free football clinics around World Cup viewing parties with Silo City and New York State, alongside youth training through the Independent Health Foundation’s Soccer for Success programme.A group of eight club ambassadors has been appointed to represent Buffalo Pro Soccer at community events across Western New York during the summer.Planning around the club’s identity is also continuing, with the organisation working with a Creative Council and The Martin Group on a name, colours and crest shaped by supporter feedback.Marlette commented: “We share our community’s excitement to see this club take the field, and we’re equally focused on building something that lasts. "With the USL’s promotion-and-relegation structure creating new opportunities for clubs to rise through the ranks, it’s more important than ever that we launch with the right foundation in place.”