New partnership developing between United Soccer League, City of Brownsville

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A partnership between the city of Brownsville and the United Soccer League could be warming up.

The United Soccer League (USL) is the largest professional soccer organization in North America. They reached out to Brownsville and said it is interested in bringing both men's and women's teams to the city. 

City officials say a partnership of this level would bring in new entertainment, developments, and money.

City Commissioner at Large A Tino Villarreal said Brownsville is the perfect fit for the USL.

"I do believe that some of the best soccer is played in Brownsville," said Villarreal. "So, when the USL reached out, it was great to start those conversations." What's been more exciting is the partnership beyond soccer can do for the city of Brownsville." 

Villarreal said this partnership will go beyond the sidelines, meaning growth for the city. 

"Some of the things people don't see are what a professional team can bring to the area," said Villarreal. "Which is retail, commerce, hotels, and reimagining everything around the Brownsville sports park."

Villarreal said this will be a multi-million-dollar project.

Step one will be to give the sports park a facelift, according to Villarreal. This park opened back in 2008, and since then, it has been a hub for both sporting and city events.

"It is ready for growth," said Villarreal. "The infrastructure is there, the drainage, the water and piping supply, the electricity that is going to take to reimagine that space. That's investment done long ago."

The partnership is still in its preliminary phases. 

The exact price tag on the project is still unknown, but city officials said more details will be released in the next year. 

Brownsville is looking to partner with investors from the USL.

An official press conference is expected to be held by the city and USL on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 1:30 p.m.