Charlotte FC: Building Soccer’s Future in the Queen City

Charlotte FC: Building Soccer’s Future in the Queen City

Charlotte FC is one of Major League Soccer’s newest franchises, officially joining the league in 2022 as the 28th team. Yet, even in its early years, the club has become a symbol of soccer’s rapid growth in the American Southeast. The Carolinas, long dominated by college football and NASCAR culture, had never hosted a top-tier professional soccer team. When MLS announced expansion to Charlotte, it was an ambitious gamble—but one that has quickly paid dividends.

The club was founded by David Tepper, billionaire owner of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, through Tepper Sports & Entertainment (TSE). Tepper brought both resources and a strategic vision: to create a franchise that would not only compete at the highest levels of MLS but also embed itself in Charlotte’s urban culture. Charlotte FC’s entry into MLS coincided with a surge in youth soccer participation in the region, reflecting the city’s increasingly diverse population and enthusiasm for global sports.

Charlotte FC’s colors—black, blue, and silver—reflect both the modern, urban identity of Charlotte and the influence of Tepper’s NFL franchise, the Panthers. Their logo, a crown, nods to the city’s nickname, “The Queen City,” connecting the team to local heritage and providing a strong brand foundation for fans. From the outset, the club emphasized building a passionate fan base. The “Mint City Collective,” Charlotte FC’s supporters’ group, has been central to cultivating the club’s unique atmosphere, bringing drums, chants, and vibrant displays to every home match.

The inaugural MLS season in 2022 was historic in its own right. Despite being an expansion team, Charlotte FC finished respectably in the Eastern Conference, demonstrating a tactical maturity and squad cohesion rare for a debuting side. Their early matches against established clubs were marked by competitiveness, defensive discipline, and flashes of attacking flair—hallmarks of the coaching philosophy that head coach Miguel Ángel Ramírez implemented. The team has been steadily building toward consistent playoff contention, blending international talent with promising American players.

Trivia: Charlotte FC became the first MLS team in the Carolinas, marking a milestone for professional soccer in the region. The franchise also set the record for the largest inaugural season average attendance for an expansion team in MLS history, drawing nearly 33,000 fans per game in 2022.

Rivalries

Rivalries are the lifeblood of professional soccer, and Charlotte FC has quickly developed several that carry both regional pride and competitive tension. The most prominent is the budding rivalry with Atlanta United FC, dubbed the “Southern Derby” by fans. Given the geographic proximity and Atlanta’s established dominance in the Southeast, matches between the two clubs are highly anticipated, often selling out Mercedes-Benz Stadium or Bank of America Stadium. The rivalry pits a newer franchise against the experienced powerhouse of MLS, creating compelling narratives for players, fans, and media alike.

Another emerging rivalry is with Nashville SC, reflecting the growth of MLS in the southern corridor. Both clubs compete for regional supremacy and fan attention, and their matches have increasingly carried playoff implications. Similarly, clashes with Orlando City SC tap into historic competition within the Southeast, combining competitive edge with cultural pride from each city.

Outside the region, Charlotte FC has occasional high-stakes encounters with Inter Miami CF, especially given the international flair and high-profile signings in Miami. These matches bring additional attention and help establish Charlotte FC’s identity on the national stage.

Trivia: Charlotte FC’s rivalry matches with Atlanta United have produced several dramatic games, including a 2023 encounter that ended 3–3 with a last-minute equalizer, cementing the fixture as an instant classic in MLS lore.

Charlotte FC: Ownership

David Tepper’s ownership through Tepper Sports & Entertainment has been a defining factor in Charlotte FC’s rapid rise. Tepper, known for his bold moves in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers, approached the franchise with the same strategic mindset: invest in infrastructure, secure high-profile players, and build a long-term vision that integrates with the city.

Under Tepper, Charlotte FC has invested heavily in the squad, bringing in both international stars and promising domestic talent. The front office emphasizes analytics, scouting, and player development, aiming to create a sustainable competitive model. Tepper has also focused on integrating the club into the Charlotte community, sponsoring youth programs, supporting local initiatives, and fostering strong partnerships with businesses and civic leaders.

Trivia: Tepper’s investment philosophy mirrors his NFL approach—high-risk, high-reward—but he delegates day-to-day soccer operations to experienced professionals, giving coaches and technical directors autonomy to shape the team’s identity.

Watch Charlotte FC

Charlotte FC plays at Bank of America Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. While originally built for American football, the venue has been adapted for MLS matches with temporary stands, pitch modifications, and dedicated fan zones. The stadium’s 74,000-seat capacity makes it one of the largest venues in MLS, allowing the club to host massive events, including playoff games and international friendlies.

The supporter culture at Bank of America Stadium is electric. The “Mint City Collective” occupies a section near the south end, creating a wall of sound with drums, chants, and coordinated displays. The energy rivals some of the most intense soccer atmospheres in North America, helping establish Charlotte FC’s home-field advantage. The stadium also hosts fan events, meet-and-greets, and community days, making it a hub for the city’s growing soccer culture.

Trivia: During the inaugural season, Charlotte FC set an MLS record for highest attendance for a home opener, attracting more than 35,000 fans—an unprecedented achievement for a new franchise.

Charlotte FC: This Season

The 2025 MLS season sees Charlotte FC building on its first few years of experience. The club has invested in a balanced roster featuring both international talent and promising academy graduates. Key players include dynamic midfielders capable of orchestrating the attack, versatile forwards with scoring ability, and defenders combining physicality with tactical awareness.

Head coach Miguel Ángel Ramírez emphasizes a possession-based style with rapid transitions, encouraging players to take risks in the final third while maintaining defensive structure. The tactical approach has led to several high-scoring matches, thrilling fans and positioning Charlotte FC as an entertaining side to watch.

Injuries and squad rotation have tested depth, but the team’s commitment to youth development—through its academy and feeder programs—has allowed emerging talent to step into critical roles. The 2025 season’s goals are clear: secure a playoff spot, continue building a strong team identity, and maintain fan engagement through competitive performances.

Trivia: Charlotte FC’s first-ever goal in MLS was scored by Karol Świderski, a moment still celebrated by fans for its historical significance.

Charlotte FC: What to Follow

Looking ahead, several storylines will define Charlotte FC’s future. First, can the club establish itself as a consistent playoff contender in the Eastern Conference? Maintaining competitiveness while developing young players will be key to long-term success.

Second, the growth of supporter culture remains central. The Mint City Collective and other fan initiatives have already created an electric atmosphere, and expanding these traditions will help solidify Charlotte’s identity as a soccer city.

Third, Charlotte FC’s academy and youth pipeline are crucial for sustainability. The club aims to produce American internationals, reducing reliance on expensive transfers and fostering loyalty from local talent.

Finally, regional rivalries will continue to shape the narrative. Matches against Atlanta United, Nashville SC, Orlando City, and Inter Miami are more than games—they are opportunities for the club to assert its identity and prove its place in MLS history.

Trivia: Charlotte FC’s first-ever victory in MLS came against Orlando City SC, a result that immediately set the tone for the Southern rivalries that define the club today.