Report: USL's North Carolina FC won't field team in 2026

Field Level Media|published: Tue 4th November, 12:13 2025

NWSL: Seattle Reign FC at North Carolina Courage

Mar 22, 2025; Cary, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Courage owner Steve Malik speaks during the induction of former player Jessica McDonald into the Ring of Honor at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

North Carolina FC will not field a team in the UFL Championship in 2026, The Athletic reported Tuesday.

Players were informed of the news this week as the club prepares to host a playoff game on Saturday against Rhode Island FC in Cary, N.C.

NCFC, which finished third in the Eastern Conference this season, is expected to finish out the postseason, per the report.

All players under contract will be released after the season and can sign elsewhere. Those with guaranteed deals will receive about two months' salary, per the report.

The team and the USL declined to comment on the report.

Steve Malik, who also owns the NWSL's North Carolina Courage, has owned North Carolina FC since 2015.

The team was founded in 2007 as the Carolina Railhawks before being rebranded in 2017.

--Field Level Media

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