"Aurora FC is one of the most unique success stories in American soccer. It has 5,337 investors through its community ownership model, and it was an immediate commercial success upon launch in 2022, playing near- or at-capacity crowds at its 6,000-seat venue -- averaging better attendance than some struggling NWSL teams in recent years."
"Aurora's ownership group was among the handful of cities last year that seriously bid for a 2026 NWSL expansion team, which was ultimately awarded to Denver. Minnesota pulled out of the process late last summer - after also missing out in the 2022 round of bidding - due to financial complications as NWSL valuations continue to rise. Denver paid a $110 million expansion fee, up from around $2 million a few years ago."
""Our partnership was a no-brainer to help fuel this pathway to professional soccer," Reeve told ESPN. "The Twin Cities will be an incredible market.""
Cheryl Reeve and Carley Knox joined Minnesota Aurora FC as private investors to support the club's pursuit of a professional pathway and potential NWSL membership. Aurora operates a community ownership model with 5,337 individual investors and launched commercially in 2022, drawing near- or at-capacity crowds at a 6,000-seat venue and averaging stronger attendance than some NWSL teams. Aurora bid for a 2026 NWSL expansion slot but withdrew due to financial complications as league valuations surged. Denver ultimately secured the expansion for $110 million. Aurora has supplemented community shares with private investors to bolster its ambitions.
Read at ESPN.com
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