Loudoun United FC, the DC United second-division affiliate, will have a new owner ahead of the club’s 2023 season.
Tech executive Greg Baroni, owner of Attain Sports & Entertainment, will assume the controlling ownership of the franchise operating in the United Soccer League Championship, the top U.S. tier below Major League Soccer.
The company also owns minor league baseball’s Bowie Baysox — the AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles — and two other minor league clubs in Frederick, Maryland.
Launched by DC United four years ago, Loudoun United plays its home games at the 5,000-seat Segra Field in Leesburg. As part of the deal, ownership of the stadium will be split between Attain and the parent club when the team’s 34-game season kicks off on March 11.
The terms of the deal and how much of a stake DC United retained have not been disclosed.
“We’re extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished with the club and are confident that the sale and introduction of Greg Baroni and Attain Sports & Entertainment into the ownership group of our club will take us to new heights,” DC United CEO and co-Chairman Jason Levien said in a release Thursday.
“Greg and the team bring extensive business networks in the region and a proven track record of success — In Attain, we believe we have found our ideal partner.”
That partnership will hope to yield an improved business approach for an event venue that has remained largely vacant beyond games hosted by Loudoun United or Old Glory DC, a Major League Rugby team that shares the field.
Commenting on the sale, Baroni said Attain Sports & Entertainment is “excited to join Loudoun United FC and the USL in partnership with the ownership of D.C. United. … I have a tremendous passion for the sport of soccer, and am committed to working together to enhance the fan experience and continue to strengthen the connection to the Northern Virginia community.”
Baroni, who heads the Northern Virginia Technology Council, will represent Loudoun United on the United Soccer League Board of Governors.
Loudoun United FC plays its home opener on Sunday, March 19, when the Red-and-White take on defending USL Championship title holders San Antonio FC.
Feature Image courtesy Old Glory DC
For more stories like this, subscribe to our News newsletter.
