Connecticut
(BPRW) CONNECTICUT AWARDED MLS NEXT PRO EXPANSION TEAM | Black PR Wire, Inc.
(BPRW) CONNECTICUT AWARDED MLS NEXT PRO EXPANSION TEAM
André Swanston, Bronx-born Alpha Phi Alpha brother, is principal owner
(Black PR Wire) BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – In a groundbreaking moment for the soccer fans of Connecticut, MLS NEXT Pro has awarded Connecticut Sports Group (CTSG) the fifth independent MLS NEXT Pro expansion team – Connecticut United Football Club (CT United FC). CT United FC is set to join MLS NEXT Pro which includes 27 MLS owned clubs and four recently announced independent clubs. The team plans to play in a new waterfront soccer stadium in Connecticut’s largest city, Bridgeport.
“As CT United FC embarks on its MLS NEXT Pro journey, I want to extend deep gratitude to the incredible fans, community leaders, and government officials who have embraced our vision. I am confident that, united, Connecticut can compete against anyone,” said André Swanston, Founding Partner of CTSG. “We are committed to building the infrastructure – from a free youth academy to a state-of-the-art stadium – needed to propel Connecticut to the highest levels of soccer.”
Connecticut holds the distinction as the largest media market in the country without a sports team in MLS, NFL, NBA, MLB or NHL. Geographically positioned at the convergence of the NYC tristate and New England, Connecticut has firmly established itself as a vibrant hub for soccer. Connecticut is consistently among the leading markets for soccer TV viewership, with one of the highest engagement levels of any market in America without an MLS team. Connecticut fans, who already spend $1.1 billion a year on sports tickets, merchandise and subscriptions (13% more per fan than the average American) will soon have a team of their own.
“André has a proven track record of building transformational companies and valuing community development,” said Charles Altchek, President of MLS NEXT Pro. “His leadership, entrepreneurship, and determination will be key to the success of the Club, and we are thrilled to partner with André, his wife Michelle, and the CTSG team. Today’s announcement marks a historic milestone as André takes the helm as one of our youngest club owners, breaking barriers as one of only a few Black principal owners in US sports history.”
The City of Bridgeport’s Planning and Zoning Commission granted Connecticut Sports Group unanimous approval to develop a waterfront soccer stadium and mixed-use destination. This transformative project encompasses a mix of residences, retail and dining space, community greens, a river walk, and a hotel. The revitalization of this dormant property represents a significant investment in economic development for Bridgeport and the entire state. According to the Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis at the University of Connecticut, this development is expected to generate $4 billion in economic impact over the next 25 years, and nearly $1 billion in additional state and local tax revenue. Average annual employment will increase by over 1,000 full-time jobs over this period.
“Bridgeport is in the midst of a renaissance, rebranding from an industrial city to now the capital of arts and entertainment of Connecticut. I am proud to announce that MLS NEXT Pro will join that landscape in providing entertainment opportunities for Bridgeport residents and the region at large. I also applaud the major investments that Mr. Swanston has made in Bridgeport and his vision to bring professional soccer to our city,” stated Mayor Joseph Ganim.
“The arrival of an MLS NEXT Pro expansion team to Connecticut will be a tremendous opportunity to foster talent, invigorate the economy, and showcase our state on the national stage,” said Rep. Jim Himes. “Local sports have a unique ability to bring together a community, and I look forward to cheering on CT United FC as they represent the great state of Connecticut!”
“Bringing an MLS NEXT Pro expansion team to the state of Connecticut is a tremendous opportunity to ignite the spirit of our communities, foster local talent, and showcase our state on the national stage,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “This exciting endeavor will invigorate our economy, inspire our youth, and unite our diverse soccer loving population.”
ABOUT CONNECTICUT UNITED FC
Founded in 2024 and owned by Connecticut Sports Group, Connecticut United Football Club (CT United FC) is the fifth independent professional men’s soccer club in MLS NEXT Pro. CT United FC is targeting a 2025 launch and will call a new state-of-the-art stadium in Bridgeport its home. CT United FC embodies the indomitable spirit of our state, carrying forward Connecticut’s rich tradition of sports excellence. For updates and more information, visit www.ctunited.com or follow us on social media: @ctunited on X and TikTok, @ctutdfc on Instagram.
ABOUT CONNECTICUT SPORTS GROUP
Connecticut Sports Group’s (CTSG) vision is to create unforgettable experiences that inspire communities. We will own and operate professional sports franchises and state-of-the-art venues, utilizing cutting-edge technology and data to deliver superior service. Through our innovative approach and unwavering commitment to excellence, we aim to revolutionize the sports and entertainment industry and bring diverse communities together.
ABOUT MLS NEXT PRO
Launched in 2022 by Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT Pro is a professional men’s soccer league in the United States and Canada that completes the pro player pathway from MLS NEXT to MLS first teams. MLS NEXT Pro continues to grow the game through innovation and diversity, bringing professional soccer to new communities and creating opportunities both on and off the field. MLS NEXT Pro will celebrate its third season in 2024 with 29 teams, 27 MLS-affiliated and two independent, Carolina Core FC and Chattanooga FC. Additional MLS-affiliated and independent clubs will join in the years ahead, including Cleveland, Jacksonville Armada FC and Connecticut United FC. The majority of MLS NEXT Pro’s matches are broadcast on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV as part of the groundbreaking partnership between Apple and MLS. For more information about MLS NEXT Pro, visit mlsnextpro.com.
Photo: From left to right – Brook Gardiner, SVP and General Counsel, MLS NEXT Pro, Sola Winley, EVP Office of the Commissioner and Chief DEI Officer, André Swanston, Founding Partner, Connecticut Sports Group, Michelle Swanston, Partner, Connecticut Sports Group, Ali Curtis, SVP of Competition & Operations, MLS NEXT Pro, Charles Altchek, President, MLS NEXT Pro & EVP, MLS
The content and opinions expressed within this press release are those of the author(s) and/or represented companies, and are not necessarily shared by Black PR Wire. The author(s) and/or represented companies are solely responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the content of this Press release. Black PR Wire reserves the right to reject a press release if, in the view of Black PR Wire, the content of the release is unsuitable for distribution.
A man has died after he was shot in the Elm City Tuesday night.
While details remain limited, police say the shooting happened on Edgewood Avenue.
No arrests have been made at this time and police are only tentatively identifying the man as a 43-year-old New Haven resident.
Anyone with any information is being asked to contact New Haven Police.
President-elect Donald Trump, a longtime opponent to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), has the backing of a soon-to-be controlled Republican House and Senate to make changes to the ACA.
The proposed changes could result in how Medicaid is financed in Connecticut and across the U.S. Well over a half of Medicaid spending by states is financed by the federal government, with Connecticut receiving 63.4% of its Medicaid spending share in fiscal year 2023, according to KFF.
State lawmakers, however, are not overly concerned just yet.
“There have been some worrisome noises, but nothing to date that’s concrete,” State Sen. Matt Lesser, co-chair of the Human Services Committee, said.
Lesser said lawmakers are paying close attention since federal changes to Medicaid would significantly impact “over almost half of the kids in the state, pregnant women, [and] retirees.”
The state-funded Medicaid program, known as HUSKY in Connecticut, provides coverage to undocumented children. On July 1, the cap was raised to include undocumented young people up to age 15.
Medicaid cost overruns could put access for low-income patients at risk
State finances will be central to Connecticut lawmakers’ discussions in the upcoming legislative session Jan. 8, with the potential expansion of Medicaid eligibility among undocumented immigrants.
Connecticut’s Medicaid program experienced cost overruns in the hundreds of millions of dollars at the start of the current fiscal year. The Connecticut Mirror reported that the Department of Social Services (DSS) is tallying usage and cost for the program, which has had a much higher interest in enrollments than expected, according to the DSS. The total cost is expected to be out before Gov. Ned Lamont releases his budget in February.
State minority leaders have proposed to tighten the Medicaid fiscal belt.
Stephen Harding, Senate Republican Leader, and Vincent Candelora, House Republican Leader, said in a statement that the state should “suspend this policy immediately with the goal of eliminating it in the next budget cycle.”
The passage of the proposal would need the full approval of the state General Assembly.
But Democrat lawmakers seek to further expand the age cap for Medicaid eligibility among undocumented people.
State Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, co-chair of the Human Services Committee, is among lawmakers and advocates who hope to push the cap higher this session – to 18 years.
Gilchrest said lack of access to health care would mean that “their need is going to be heightened down the road, and we’re going to have to cover the cost of higher cost health care.”
And that would also apply to other Connecticut residents enrolled in Medicaid, she said.
“We need to have conversations about what access to care looks like for a population that continues to increase in our state because they are experiencing economic inequality,” Gilchrest said.
FAIRFIELD, Connecticut (WABC) — A homeowner in Connecticut took his Christmas tree to the next level this holiday season, refusing to let the ceiling limit him… literally!
The house in Fairfield has gone viral for installing a Christmas tree that from the outside appears to be smashing through the roof.
But fear not – the homeowner won’t be paying thousands of dollars in home repairs for this holiday display. It’s simply an optical illusion.
Storyful video shows the captivating display.
There’s a truncated Christmas tree indoors, and the top of another that’s resting on the roof, creating the illusion of a single 20-foot tree bursting through the roof.
The interior designer who masterminded the display said the installation took two days.
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