Professional men’s soccer team in Grand Rapids to debut in 2027

No team name, colors or logo have been revealed yet for the West Michigan Soccer team, but co-owner Dave Van Andel announced its competition league.

“We want to announce that Grand Rapids will have its own professional men’s soccer team in the MLS NEXT Pro.”

The West Michigan Soccer team co-owned by the Van Andel and Devos families will play its home games at that 8,500-seat Amway Stadium on Winter Ave. NW in Grand Rapids near the downtown YMCA, with construction starting next year.

MLS NEXT Pro is a men’s professional soccer league in the U.S. and Canada launched in 2022 now in its third season with 29 teams and growing.

Its president, Charles Altchek, says the league is building toward the future, focused on professional development of talent from players and coaches to business and sports leaders to the cities the clubs play in.

“Here in Grand Rapids, we are seeing this in action with the next generation of Van Andels and Devoses leading this team. Jesse, Aaron, Kyle and Christian Van Andel and Cole Devos, we look forward to working with you to build a world-class professional soccer club.”

Christian Van Andel added, now that the league is in place, it’s time to start meeting with local clubs, coaches, and players to grow excitement.

“Our goal is to begin building a following starting today so that at our first match, we have a packed Amway Stadium.”

The team is set to play that first match in the 2027 season.