Hometown Soccer Holdings has named New Jersey native Brady O’Connor as the inaugural president of New Jersey MLS NEXT Pro, placing the former FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee executive at the helm of the club’s business operations ahead of its debut next summer.
New Jersey MLS NEXT Pro is scheduled to begin play in July 2027 at NEXUS, a new sports and entertainment district in Middlesex County anchored by a 6,500-seat stadium. O’Connor will oversee the club’s business operations, including partnerships, ticket sales, marketing and community engagement as the organization prepares for its inaugural season.
“Brady brings exactly the kind of relationships, credibility, and work ethic needed as we begin building our new club,” Tom Glick, CEO of Hometown Soccer Holdings, said. “His experience helping deliver the FIFA World Cup 26 bid and his years working alongside the Governor and Choose New Jersey give him a deep understanding of how to build something meaningful in this state. We are confident Brady will help us build a club that Middlesex County and all of New Jersey can be proud of.”
O’Connor most recently served as chief of external affairs for the FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee. In that role, he supported stakeholder outreach, intergovernmental affairs coordination and regional economic development initiatives, while also working with the committee’s Commercial Program on fundraising and sponsorship efforts.
He previously served as chief of staff to the president and CEO of Choose New Jersey, the state’s leading marketing and business-attraction nonprofit. There, O’Connor helped coordinate organizational operations as well as domestic and international trade and business development missions.
Earlier in his career, O’Connor was a Special Assistant to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy during the governor’s first term. Among his responsibilities was work connected to New Jersey’s bid to host FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.
“I am honored to be named President of New Jersey MLS NEXT Pro,” O’Connor said. “For the region and for the county, it’s an opportunity I’m incredibly excited about because of how well Middlesex County is positioned and how exciting the development at Nexus is. The accessibility of where the stadium is, the love of the sport and the growing enthusiasm for soccer in Middlesex County and the surrounding areas — we feel this is the perfect spot for this team, and I could not be more thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as the first club president.”
A lifelong soccer fan, O’Connor played goalkeeper for the men’s soccer team at Ramapo College of New Jersey, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a minor in Public Policy. He currently serves on the college’s Board of Trustees.
O’Connor will meet with local residents and soccer supporters next week at Hailey’s Harp and Pub in Metuchen. The free public event is scheduled for Sept. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. ET and will give members of the community an opportunity to discuss the future of professional soccer in Middlesex County.
Fans can also place a deposit for a New Jersey MLS NEXT Pro founding membership through the club’s website.
The club was formally announced on Sept. 2, when Hometown Soccer Holdings, New York City FC, MLS NEXT Pro, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and Middlesex County officials unveiled plans to bring professional soccer to the county.
As part of the launch, the organization plans to involve local residents in selecting the club’s name. Details about the forthcoming “Name the Club” campaign are expected to be announced at a later date.
New Jersey MLS NEXT Pro will play its home matches at NEXUS, a $350 million sports and entertainment district featuring a 6,500-seat stadium, an adjacent plaza, recreational fields and a full-service restaurant and bar.
The stadium is slated for a ribbon-cutting later this year and is designed to offer a range of fan amenities, including luxury-style suites, two upper-level party decks, a premium bar opening toward the field and a large grass hill with a playground for families.
The venue will also be located within walking distance of Nexus Fields, a 14-field youth soccer tournament destination.
With its planned July 2027 launch, New Jersey MLS NEXT Pro will bring professional soccer to one of the state’s most populous and diverse counties, while establishing a new home for the sport in Middlesex County.
