The Right to Dream community just got bigger!
A wave of enthusiasm sweeps through the Right to Dream community as MLS has awarded the city of San Diego an expansion team that will be owned by Chairman of Man Capital and Investor/Chairman of Right to Dream Mr. Mohamed Mansour, and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, extending the unique Right to Dream model into a vibrant new market, and unlocking a world of opportunity for more talents to chase their dreams.
With the addition of San Diego’s MLS club to our community, we’re taking a remarkable stride forward in the professional soccer world. Joining forces with Danish side FC Nordsjælland and Egyptian side FC TUT, all part of the Right to Dream community, they’ll together form a growing network of professional clubs and academies dedicated to nurturing talent and creating opportunities.
The San Diego-based club cements the bond between Right to Dream and MLS, building upon the foundation laid by our talented Right to Dream graduates who have brought their skills and passion to MLS over the past decade.
“We are thrilled to welcome San Diego to Major League Soccer,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “Mohamed Mansour and the Sycuan Band have an incredible vision for building a club that will inspire and unite soccer fans throughout the city and region.”
The team will call Snapdragon Stadium their home and we’ll get to see them in action when they make their MLS debut in 2025.
“We look forward to introducing Right to Dream’s unique developmental approach and unparalleled soccer expertise to San Diego and MLS by delivering tangible benefits to the community as we look to open doors and identify and nurture talent from across the county and beyond,” said Mr. Mansour.
As an essential partner with Mansour and RTD, the Sycuan Tribe brings distinctive community connection and understanding to the area’s MLS expansion club, with the tribe having resided in and around San Diego for more than 12,000 years.
“Sycuan has deep roots to the San Diego community and found an incredible partner in Mohamed Mansour and the soccer expertise that he brings with Right to Dream,” said Sycuan Tribal Chairman Cody Martinez.
The incredible investor group backing the club also includes six-time Major League Baseball All-Star and current member of the San Diego Padres, Manny Machado. Our very own Tom Vernon, Founder of Right to Dream, Dan Dickinson, Board Member at Right to Dream, and Brad Termini, Co-founder of Zephyr Partners are among the founding partners.
Taking the helm as CEO of the San Diego Club is Tom Penn – a visionary sports executive with a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for the game. His expertise and deep understanding of the sports industry makes him the perfect fit to lead the charge.
“San Diego is a community with a rich sporting history and long considered the heart of soccer development in North America,” said Tom Penn. “With the addition of MLS, we will inspire lasting change through the sport in San Diego and unite soccer fans throughout the region. We will deliver sustained excellence on the field, unprecedented investment in player development and create a shared, joyous experience for fans at Snapdragon Stadium, one of the premier soccer venues in professional soccer.”
The club's unwavering commitment to player development aligns perfectly with the core ethos of Right to Dream. And we’re confident that this synergy will pave the way for a supportive environment where talents can truly thrive, showcase their skills, and leave a mark on the professional soccer stage.
Welcome to the Right to Dream community, San Diego! We’re beyond excited to embark on this exciting new chapter together!