The seed for Ozark United FC was planted as "a crazy thought" in co-founder Chris Martinovic's mind years ago, and today, that seedling has grown into a full-fledged plan to bring professional soccer to Northwest Arkansas. In this candid conversation with Managing Director Wes Harris, Martinovic gives listeners unprecedented access to the behind-the-scenes journey of building a professional sports franchise from scratch.

What stands out most is the unexpected enthusiasm from all corners of the community. "I had no idea how excited people would get about it," Martinovic reveals, noting that even self-proclaimed non-soccer fans expressed excitement at the prospect of professional sports entertainment in NWA. The conversation illuminates how the project has evolved from its initial conception, including the exciting announcement of an expanded stadium site that doubles the land footprint and transforms the vision into a sports-anchored mixed-use development.

The financial realities of sports ownership take center stage as Martinovic explains the investment model that drives professional teams. Unlike traditional businesses, sports franchises aren't primarily cash-flow generators but rather appreciate significantly in value over time. This perspective has shaped their approach to finding the right investors, culminating in their newly announced partnership with Prospect Park, a group with extensive connections to family offices and experience in professional sports investments.

Throughout the discussion, the passion for community building shines through. "This is Northwest Arkansas's club, this is your club, this is not our club," Harris emphasizes, highlighting the collaborative nature of the project. From "closet soccer fans" finding their community to children playing pickup games with makeshift goals, the soccer culture in NWA continues to grow organically alongside the more formal development plans.

The vision extends beyond just professional matches to hosting World Cup base camps, creating pathways for youth development, and contributing thoughtfully to the region's growth. But to get there, they need continued community support. Wear the gear, attend events, show up to council meetings - these seemingly small actions make a tremendous difference in demonstrating community buy-in to potential investors and local officials.

Ready to be part of this journey? Follow Pitch to Pro on social media and visit ozarkunitedfc.com to stay updated and find ways to support Northwest Arkansas's path to professional soccer.

More About this Episode

The Stadium, the Vision, the Community: Ozark United FC’s Bold Plan for NWA

When we first set out to create Ozark United FC, we had a dream - to bring professional soccer to Northwest Arkansas and build something the community could be proud of. What started as an ambitious idea has grown into a movement fueled by passion, hard work, and the unwavering support of the incredible people in our region.

Today, I want to share a deeper look behind the scenes of our journey, the exciting milestones we've hit, the challenges we’ve faced, and the vision that’s guiding us toward the future.

A Vision Born from Community Passion

One of the most surprising and inspiring things about this journey has been the sheer excitement and passion from the community - even from those who aren't diehard soccer fans. Early conversations revealed that while Northwest Arkansas had plenty of sports fans, many felt there was a gap when it came to professional-level sports. People often told us, "I don't even like soccer, but I'd love to have a pro team here."

That validation from casual fans, families looking for new weekend experiences, and community leaders helped solidify the idea that Ozark United FC could be more than just a soccer team - it could be a cornerstone for entertainment, economic growth, and community pride.

Along the way, we discovered an incredible phenomenon: the "closet soccer fans." These were people who had quietly loved the game for years but hadn’t found an outlet in our region to share that passion. Connecting with them has been one of the great joys of this project.

Building from the Ground Up: Lessons and Challenges

Starting a professional sports team is not for the faint of heart. It's a process filled with complexities, many of which remain invisible to the public. From the very beginning, there was an immense amount of groundwork - conversations, learning sessions, explorations with the United Soccer League (USL), and relationship-building with key stakeholders.

While it officially "launched" publicly in July 2023, the truth is, this journey started back in 2019. COVID-19 slowed progress, but it never dampened the vision. Now, after years of effort, countless meetings, and relentless determination, we’re seeing it come to life.

One major learning has been that patience is not just a virtue; it's a requirement. Building a club that will be a lasting institution in the community takes time, resources, and a willingness to adapt.

Evolving the Vision: The New Stadium and Development Project

A major milestone came when we made the decision to expand our scope. Originally, we planned for a stadium project that met the minimum requirements for a USL franchise. However, after further exploration and feedback, it became clear that we needed to think bigger.

In partnership with community leaders, we identified a new, larger site for the stadium - doubling the size of the original property. This expanded scope allows for a sports-anchored mixed-use entertainment district, including retail, residential, and hospitality elements alongside the stadium.

This vision isn't just about soccer. It’s about placemaking - creating a vibrant hub where people live, work, and play. This district will be a catalyst for economic growth, tourism, and community gathering for years to come.

Cities across America are embracing these types of developments because they create lasting value. Northwest Arkansas deserves that same opportunity, and we are proud to lead the charge.

The Critical Role of Community Support

As Chris Martinovic so aptly put it, this project isn’t "our" club - it’s your club. Ozark United FC belongs to the people of Northwest Arkansas. Every fan wearing our gear, every voice showing up at a city council meeting, and every supporter sharing our story plays a crucial role.

Our ask is simple:

  • Wear your gear proudly.
  • Show up for events.
  • Stay engaged.

When you do, you help demonstrate to political leaders, corporate partners, and potential investors that this community is behind Ozark United FC. Your visible support makes a bigger impact than you might realize.

Investment and Growth: A Look at the Business Side

Launching a pro team requires significant investment, and we couldn’t have made it this far without our early seed investors. These local and national supporters believed in the vision and provided the foundational capital needed to navigate the early stages.

Now, we are entering the next phase: securing a lead investor. Under US Soccer and USL guidelines, every franchise must have a primary investor who meets strict liquidity and net worth requirements. This ensures long-term stability and protects the league and fans alike.

To help us in this next step, we’ve partnered with Prospect Park, a group with deep ties to family offices and sports investments across the country. They believe passionately in our project and are actively working to connect us with the right primary investor who shares our long-term vision.

Why Sports Investment is Different - and Attractive

For those unfamiliar, investing in professional sports isn't like investing in traditional businesses. While cash flow is important, the real value lies in franchise appreciation.

In virtually every major league, franchise valuations have steadily risen - often outpacing the stock market. Soccer, in particular, is seeing explosive growth in the United States.

Ozark United FC represents an opportunity not just to bring soccer to Northwest Arkansas, but also to create a valuable, appreciating asset tied to one of the fastest-growing sports markets in the world.

A Future Filled with Possibility

The excitement doesn't stop with professional soccer matches. The potential for Ozark United FC extends far beyond the pitch. With the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup coming to North America and the 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup likely to follow, the opportunities for our club and our region are tremendous.

Imagine a day when Northwest Arkansas could host World Cup training camps, international friendlies, and major tournaments. It’s not a fantasy - it’s the future we are working to build.

Every day, when I see kids kicking a soccer ball in a park or meet fans wearing an Ozark United FC hat in a different state, I'm reminded of why we are doing this. It's bigger than just soccer - it’s about pride, opportunity, and building something meaningful for the next generation.

We are closer than ever to making the dream a reality. But we can’t do it alone.

We need you. Your passion. Your presence. Your belief.

Together, we’ll make history in Northwest Arkansas.