The National Indoor Soccer League (NISL) announced Albany, GA as its first expansion market for the 2024 season. The new team, yet to be named, will play in the Albany Civic Center, part of the Flint River Entertainment Complex.

Entering into its third year of competition, Albany becomes the NISL’s third expansion market and the first outside the state of Florida. The team follows the Tampa Bay Strikers and the Central Florida Crusaders (Orlando), both of which joined the league for its sophomore season. 

"I am excited to be back in Albany. Having worked in this market in previous leagues, I understand the importance of sports entertainment to the families of Albany. It has always been a fan friendly environment and shall continue as such with the addition of our newest NISL team", stated NISL Commissioner Gary Tufford. 

Members of the local community will have the opportunity to participate in a “Name the Team” campaign, giving them an immediate opportunity to engage with the area’s newest professional sports team. Like all other NISL clubs, every game day will feature a double header of action that includes both a men’s and women’s contest.  To submit your team name suggestion visit https://www.nislpro.com/name-the-team-albany-ga 

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to add Albany to the list of great locations that our league’s teams call home,” shared NISL President, Mary Ellen Rogers. “We have already begun working with the ownership group there. They are eager to spend the off-season preparing to take the pitch this season for the first time and we are excited to continue our expansion efforts to grow professional indoor soccer.” 

The addition of Albany, GA to the NISL fits well into the existing league footprint. It’s a short one-and-a-half-hour drive from the Columbus Civic Center, under five hours from Tampa and Orlando and within eight from both Fayetteville, NC and Memphis, TN.

"We are thrilled to welcome the National Indoor Soccer League's newest team to the Flint River Entertainment Complex," said General Manager Victor Landry. "Albany and the surrounding communities have a rich history and legacy of excellence in sports. We are excited about this new indoor soccer team adding to that history and legacy. The addition of professional soccer to our venues' family entertainment mix will bring a new level of excitement to the community. I can't wait to see this high-energy sport played in our community." 

More details about the NISL’s new club in Albany will be released in the upcoming months including the unveiling of the team's name, information about the ownership group, front office and coaching hire announcements, the home season schedule, ticketing information, and more.