Baltimore, MD – According to The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore’s latest effort to establish a professional outdoor soccer presence has encountered significant hurdles, as a proposed $217 million state-backed stadium project at Carroll Park failed to advance beyond committee in the Maryland General Assembly.
The initiative, unveiled in February 2026, aimed to create a multiuse soccer campus in Southwest Baltimore. Backed by Major League Soccer’s D.C. United, the plan included a new stadium to host a women’s team in the USL Super League, co-owned by NBA Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony, and a men’s MLS Next Pro affiliate team linked to D.C. United. The development would also feature a practice field and a 40,000-square-foot facility equipped with classrooms, a weight room, locker rooms, a gymnasium, and a cafeteria, serving both professional and youth programs.
Mayor Brandon Scott supported the proposal, which sought to address Baltimore’s long-standing absence of a professional outdoor soccer team. The project was introduced through companion bills sponsored by Sen. Antonio Hayes and Del. Mark Edelson, both Democrats representing Baltimore City. However, the legislation did not progress before the General Assembly’s crossover deadline, leaving its future uncertain as the session concludes on April 14, 2026.
Edelson remained cautiously optimistic, stating that the bill had not entirely failed until the session’s final moments. He emphasized the project’s potential to foster long-term opportunities in Baltimore, particularly through investments in youth sports facilities. Despite the stall, D.C. United officials indicated ongoing confidential funding discussions and strong support from state and local leaders, suggesting a strategy to secure sustainable financing.
The proposal’s challenges echo Baltimore’s history of unfulfilled soccer ambitions. In 2013, D.C. United considered relocating to the city but ultimately used the talks to negotiate a new stadium in Washington, D.C. A 2010 study recommended sites at Westport Waterfront for a 25,000-seat venue and the Carroll Camden area for a smaller stadium to accommodate the now-defunct Crystal Palace Baltimore team, but neither materialized.
Local soccer figures expressed mixed reactions. Pete Caringi, longtime coach at UMBC, initially welcomed the idea, noting the need for professional soccer and a dedicated stadium in the region. However, he tempered enthusiasm with skepticism, citing past failures and the importance of securing a committed owner. Barry Stitz, a former Baltimore Blast player and current coach at Curley High School, highlighted the risk of low attendance if the teams did not compete at a high level, warning that a minor league product might only attract novelty interest initially.
The selection of Carroll Park as the site amplified concerns among residents and stakeholders. The 80-acre park, one of Baltimore’s oldest public spaces, includes a historic nine-hole golf course that integrated racially in 1951 and serves as a vital recreational hub, especially for Black golfers. Critics worried about displacement, reduced public access, and the loss of community assets. Tom Pierce, executive director of the Baltimore Municipal Golf Corporation, reported limited communication from city officials regarding potential property sales.
Caringi echoed these sentiments, advocating for a site that avoids disrupting existing community resources. Edelson acknowledged that no location is ideal but defended the choice as part of broader tradeoffs necessary for progress.
Financially, the project faces headwinds from Maryland’s budget shortfall, requiring a blend of public funds and private investment. Edelson noted substantial private commitments, but the timing—amid fiscal constraints—complicated approval. The women’s team represents a third-tier professional level, while the men’s affiliate operates at an even lower tier, prompting questions about the venture’s appeal compared to Baltimore’s demonstrated passion for the sport. For instance, over 72,000 fans attended a March match at M&T Bank Stadium featuring D.C. United against Inter Miami and Lionel Messi, underscoring the area’s potential fan base.
As the legislative session winds down, the soccer stadium proposal’s fate remains in limbo. If it does not pass this year, proponents plan to continue building support through further dialogue and collaboration. For Baltimore, the stalled effort serves as another chapter in its pursuit of professional soccer, balancing excitement for growth against practical and historical obstacles. For more information, visit The Baltimore Sun.