KKR has taken a stake in MLS Next Pro, the second‑tier professional men’s soccer league that feeds talent into Major League Soccer. The investment launches Hometown Soccer Holdings, a new platform focused on expanding the league’s footprint across the United States and Canada. The move signals growing private‑sector interest in North American soccer’s growth for 2024.

Founded in 2022, MLS Next Pro sits below MLS and above MLS Next, creating a clear progression for young players. KKR’s entry brings capital and strategic guidance aimed at building new club brands and stadium projects in emerging markets. The partnership could accelerate league expansion and strengthen the talent pipeline feeding MLS first teams globally.

Tom Glick, former Premier League executive, will serve as CEO of Hometown Soccer Holdings, while Chris Klein, MLS’s chief operating officer, takes the president role. Their combined experience positions the venture to negotiate stadium deals, secure sponsorships, and nurture local fan bases. Investors eye the partnership as a template for sports franchise development in 2024.

With KKR’s backing, MLS Next Pro gains a powerful ally to scale operations and enhance its brand equity. The investment also aligns with MLS’s broader strategy to deepen community ties through local clubs. For investors, the deal offers exposure to a rapidly expanding sports market and a potential catalyst for future league revenues in 2024.