Tampa Bay Rowdies To Field NPSL Team

The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced on Wednesdayt that hey will field a team in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) starting in the 2016 season. The club will compete in the South Region’s Sunshine Conference.

“It’s wonderful to see another NASL team get involved in our league,” NPSL Chairman Joe Barone said. “The Tampa Bay Rowdies brand means so much to American soccer and we are so excited for our fans and supporters. This will be remembered as a great day for the NPSL."

Details regarding a home venue and match tickets will be announced at a later date.

“Rowdies 2 will bring an iconic brand to the NPSL and we assure our fans that we will sign top talent to compete for a championship,” Tampa Bay Rowdies Owner and CEO Bill Edwards added. “Rowdies 2 will be one of the top clubs both on and off the field, bringing exposure, talent, and experience to the league.”

The Tampa Bay Rowdies were the first professional sports franchise in the Tampa Bay area and remain one of the most recognizable and well-loved brands in soccer. Originally established in 1975, the team won the NASL Soccer Bowl championship in its inaugural year and created a unique, entertaining, and memorable franchise with the Fannies, Wowdies, and unforgettable Kick in the Grass theme song.

“The NPSL is an established league that gives the Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) an opportunity to develop players and compete against strong opponents,” Edwards concluded. “This will also increase the Tampa Bay Rowdies brand exposure to a new audience.”

Rowdies 2 will compete in the Sunshine Conference of the South Region, which currently includes: Fort Lauderdale Strikers U-23, Jacksonville United FC, Kraze United (Orlando), Miami Fusion FC, Miami United, Storm FC, and Weston FC.

Rowdies 2 will announce a head coach in the near future.