A new professional sports franchise is set to play near the NY Islanders old home

Professional sports are returning to Uniondale. In the shadows of the Nassau Coliseum, once home to the four-time Stanley Cup champion New York Islanders, a new team is set to bring life — and goals — back to Long Island.

It's just not a minor league hockey team and doesn't have anything to do with hockey.

Island F.C., a new independent soccer club, was officially announced Tuesday as Long Island’s newest professional sports franchise. The team will compete in MLS Next Pro, Major League Soccer’s developmental league, and plans to kick off in March 2027.

At a press conference at the Long Island Children’s Museum, principal owner and chairman Mitchell Rechler and team president Peter Zaratin unveiled plans for a privately funded 2,500-seat stadium at Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale — a $25 million project that includes both the venue and training facility. The stadium will be expandable to 5,000 seats and is expected to break ground next spring.

“I really view the launch of this team and the building of the stadium as an additional piece of improving the quality of life for all Long Islanders,” Rechler told Newsday. “The demographics here on Long Island for soccer are incredible.”

Island F.C. revealed a blue-and-white color scheme and the motto “All for The Island.” The logo will be unveiled in the coming months. Beyond its professional side, Island F.C. aims to establish a developmental pipeline for local players — from youth to college to the pros — and eventually introduce a women’s professional team.

“Creating a clear development pipeline is exciting,” Zaratin said. “We’re building something that feels authentic to Long Island — an enclosed, fan-conducive stadium that delivers a real soccer experience.”

For Nassau County, it marks the revitalization of the Uniondale sports corridor, partially filling the void left by the Islanders' departure from the Coliseum. Island F.C.’s arrival restores a professional sports presence to the heart of Long Island — and rekindles the region’s connection to community.