Sarasota Paradise: A New Era of Professional Soccer on the Suncoast

Soccer fans in Sarasota County have plenty to celebrate this year: Sarasota Paradise is officially stepping up to the professional ranks as a USL League One (Division III) team—beginning this March with the 2026 season home opener. Bringing high-level soccer to Florida’s Suncoast, fans can expect visiting teams from across the country and an unforgettable game-day experience as Paradise represents Sarasota on the national stage.

From Local Roots to USL League One

Founded in 2023 as the only independent professional sports organization in Sarasota, the club began as a grassroots pre-professional outfit in USL League Two. Built from the ground up by passionate CEO and sporting director Marcus Walfridson, the Swedish soccer entrepreneur fell in love with the area and saw an opportunity to unite the community around a local soccer club that reflects Sarasota’s vibrant sporting spirit. After all, the region has long been a hub for elite sports talent and athletic development.

Through early success—including being named USL League Two’s New Organization of the Year in 2023, having its first player in the team’s history be drafted into the MLS and being named division champs in the South Florida Division in 2024—Sarasota Paradise carved a path toward bigger games and higher stakes.

Stepping into Division III marks a major milestone in the club's inaugural USL1 season, becoming the city’s first professional soccer team.

What the Division III Move Means

USL League One is the third tier of professional soccer in the United States, featuring clubs across North America competing in a full 34-game home-and-away regular season (March 7 – Oct 24) and culminating with the league’s Playoffs (Oct 30 – Nov 1). The club will take its place among teams like the New York Cosmos, Richmond Kickers and Union Omaha—giving fans a chance to cheer on matchups with established rivals and fresh competitors.

Paradise will also now be participating in the annual interleague competition: the 2026 Prinx Tires USL Cup, a World Cup-style tournament which features all 43 teams across the USL Championship and League One. Clubs are placed into seven regional groups, play four group stage games (April 25 – July 11), and then advance into a knockout stage. Sarasota Paradise is set to compete in Group 7 alongside Miami FC, FC Naples, South Georgia Tormenta FC, Sporting Club Jacksonville and Tampa Bay Rowdies. 

Whether you’re a lifelong soccer supporter or new to the sport, Sarasota Paradise’s leap into USL League One makes the 2026 season an exciting time to visit the Suncoast.

Catching the Action: Home Matches & Fan Experience

Home games for the season are held at the Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch—a 3,500-seat soccer-specific venue with FIFA-regulation grass fields and an energetic fan environment that lends itself perfectly to game-day excitement.

With half the season’s league fixtures played at home, traveling and local fans have plenty of opportunities to witness competitive soccer under warm Florida skies. Matches often feature lively supporter sections, family-friendly amenities and local food and beverage options—making a Paradise game a fun outing for visitors looking to mix sporting action with Sarasota’s coastal lifestyle.

Season ticket memberships for Sarasota Paradise’s season are available now at sarasotaparadise.us. 

And if you can't make it to a game, no sweat! The league’s broadcast partnership includes national coverage across ESPN networks and CBS Sports platforms, with games also available on ESPN+ and additional networks. Catch a live game at a local sports bar and cheer on with fellow fans!