Phoenix Rising FC: Is MLS still a pipe dream or an inevitable step?

PHOENIX — Phoenix Rising FC has built a reputation as one of the most successful and stable clubs in the USL Championship, but the question continues to loom: Is Major League Soccer in the club’s future, or has that dream drifted further out of reach?

Phoenix has long been on the shortlist of potential MLS expansion cities. A booming population, passionate fan base, soccer-ready market, and sunbelt appeal have positioned the Valley as a strong candidate. The club has ticked many of the traditional boxes — consistent on-field success, community support, and a modern, soccer-specific stadium. But as MLS slows its expansion plans and turns inward toward stability, Rising’s path forward feels more complicated.

When MLS announced plans to eventually reach 30 teams, Phoenix was considered a frontrunner. But with San Diego recently awarded the 30th franchise and other cities like Las Vegas and Sacramento gaining momentum, the Rising’s MLS hopes have felt less like a matter of “when” and more like a matter of “if.”

Still, club leadership remains undeterred. Phoenix Rising FC has consistently drawn strong attendance and has cultivated one of the most passionate supporter cultures in American lower-division soccer. Their recent USL Championship title only further solidified their legitimacy.

Phoenix’s demographic growth and soccer infrastructure continue to work in its favor. The city ranks as one of the largest U.S. markets without an MLS team, and its youth soccer presence has skyrocketed in recent years. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to bring international attention to North America, Phoenix could still be a viable long-term play for MLS.

Until then, Rising continues to invest in its own success — building a winning culture, strengthening community ties, and making the strongest case possible that Phoenix isn’t just ready for MLS. It’s overdue.