Major League Indoor Soccer Announces Nashville Expansion Teams for 2027–28 Season

Chicago, Ill. — Major League Indoor Soccer (MLIS) and Women’s Major League Indoor Soccer (WMLIS) are expanding to Nashville, with new men’s and women’s teams set to begin play during the 2027–28 season.

The expansion organization will be owned by husband-and-wife duo Jeremy and Paula Moorman, who are beginning preparations more than a year before the teams’ inaugural season. 

The extended lead time will allow the organization to build its leadership team, connect with the Tennessee soccer community and establish a strong foundation before taking the field, Jeremy said.

He added that he brings a long connection to the sport as a player, referee, coach and fan. His earliest soccer memories date back to the Cleveland Force indoor soccer team of the 1980s. In the early 2000s, he also contributed to the operations of the Cleveland City Stars, formerly of the United Soccer League.

After relocating to Nashville several years ago, Jeremy and Paula became active supporters of Nashville SC, the local Major League Soccer team, and immersed themselves in the city’s growing soccer culture.

“I’m a massive fan of the sport of soccer in general, and it’s always been our dream to have some kind of higher-level involvement,” Jeremy said. “So when the opportunity presented itself to be part of a small but mighty league, we jumped at it.”

The Moormans believe men’s and women’s indoor soccer can provide the region with a fast-paced and affordable entertainment option for individuals and families.

“There are tons of great sports fans here with a few options, but in terms of great entertainment that is affordable for a family, there are limited choices,” Jeremy said. “The youth soccer in the area is legitimately strong, so there are plenty of people in Nashville who need to hear about and experience indoor soccer; they just don’t know it yet!”

The teams’ names, logos and visual identities have not yet been finalized. Rather than developing the brands behind closed doors, the organization plans to invite Nashville-area fans to help shape the teams’ identities.

The Moormans are also evaluating potential home venues and practice facilities. Additional information regarding the venue, leadership team, branding, player and coaching opportunities, and other organizational developments will be announced ahead of the teams’ first matches.

“Nashville has become an exciting soccer market, and we believe it has tremendous potential within both MLIS and WMLIS,” said Commissioner Bernie Lilavois. “Jeremy and Paula are approaching this opportunity thoughtfully and giving themselves the time needed to build meaningful relationships throughout the community. We are excited to welcome them to the leagues and watch their vision for men’s and women’s professional indoor soccer in Nashville take shape.”

In the months leading up to the inaugural season, the organization will become active throughout Middle Tennessee’s soccer community while developing initiatives intended to make a local impact before either team steps onto the field.

“Our short-term goal is to create an entertaining experience for Nashville fans and put competitive teams on the field,” Jeremy said. “Long-term, we want to make a real difference in the community, establish the organization as a world-class example of an indoor soccer club and, hopefully, run out of room in the trophy case.”