Independent Team Will be Owned by the Van Andel and DeVos Families and Play at Newly Constructed Amway Stadium
MLS NEXT Pro announced today the addition of a sixth independent club to the League. The team, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan and planning to begin play in 2027, will be the first in the state for MLS NEXT Pro and MLS. The West Michigan Soccer project will be led by the Van Andel and DeVos families, who are also involved in the NBA, MLS, NWSL, and AHL, among others. The club’s official name and branding will be announced at a later date.
The club will be majority owned by David Van Andel and his family, with roles held by his sons Jesse, Aaron, Kyle, and Christian Van Andel. Dan DeVos and his family will hold a minority stake, with his son Cole DeVos also playing a key leadership role. The club plans to play its home matches at Amway Stadium, a new 8,500-seat stadium with construction set to begin on the west side of Grand Rapids in 2025.
“The Van Andel and DeVos families have a long, successful history of leading professional sports teams and we look forward to welcoming them to MLS NEXT Pro,” said League President, Charles Altchek. “We share a commitment to the local communities where our teams live, work, and play, and we are confident that their club will create opportunities in Grand Rapids and across the state of Michigan for all those who want to be involved in the beautiful game.”
David Van Andel and Dan DeVos brought professional hockey to the city in 1996 with the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL). A minority co-owner and chairman of the Griffins, David Van Andel and family, in partnership with the Grand Action coalition of business and community leaders, also worked to bring Van Andel Arena to reality. Since 1996, the arena has served as home to the Griffins and as a sports and entertainment hub for the core of downtown Grand Rapids. The Van Andel family also are minority owners in MLS’ FC Cincinnati.
"This is not just a milestone for soccer in our city but a testament to our community’s unwavering passion and dedication to professional sports,” said David Van Andel. “Sports have a unique ability to bring communities together, build community spirit, and ultimately boost the local economy and create vibrant spaces for fans to come together. We’re thrilled to offer fans the opportunity to experience top-tier soccer talent right here at home.”
Dan DeVos, majority co-owner, CEO, and governor of the Grand Rapids Griffins, also serves as chairman of the NBA's Orlando Magic and the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears - both owned by the DeVos family. As owners of the Grand Rapids Rise, Dan DeVos, Cole DeVos and family played a pivotal role in the formation of the women’s Pro Volleyball Federation and the recruitment of a team to West Michigan, which is set to begin its second season in Grand Rapids in January 2025. The DeVos family also are minority owners of MLS’ Orlando City SC and the 2024 NWSL Champions, Orlando Pride.
"We are so grateful for the embrace of our city’s incredible sports fan base and community,” added Dan DeVos. "Grand Rapids punches well above its weight class in a lot of categories, sports being one of them, and soccer is a natural addition to our local sports scene alongside hockey, volleyball, baseball, and basketball. West Michigan Soccer will be another great opportunity to showcase our city on a national stage, and we’re thrilled to work with such a strong partner like MLS NEXT Pro to deliver the top-notch team our fans deserve."
Two independent teams began competing in MLS NEXT Pro in 2024 - Chattanooga FC and Carolina Core FC. Pending sanctioning approval by the U.S. Soccer Federation, the team in Grand Rapids will join Cleveland, Jacksonville Armada FC, and Connecticut United FC as independent teams slated to begin playing in the League in the coming years.