San Diego Loyal Soccer Club to Disband After 2023 Season
San Diego Loyal, a second-division professional soccer club, will cease operations at the end of the season due to the impending arrival of a Major League Soccer franchise in 2025. Owner Andrew Vassiliadis made the emotional announcement, citing his unwillingness to provide an inferior product and his love for the city. The Loyal have explored options for staying in the area but faced economic challenges, including losses of over $20 million. The team gained attention for walking off the field and forfeiting games in response to racial and homophobic slurs. The USL Championship will transition the Loyal's franchise rights, but no specific details were provided regarding new ownership or relocation.