What FC Cincinnati does

FC Cincinnati is a privately held Major League Soccer franchise competing in the MLS Eastern Conference. Founded in 2015 by Carl H. Lindner III and Jeff Berding, the club began play in the USL in 2016, won the 2018 USL Regular-Season Championship, and joined MLS as the league's 24th team in 2019. Its home venue is TQL Stadium, a privately funded $250 million, 26,000-seat soccer-specific stadium in Cincinnati's West End neighborhood that opened in May 2021 and has won the Prix Versailles World Title in Sports (2022) and Best Venue at the World Football Summit in Madrid (2022). The club also operates the $30 million Mercy Health Training Center in Milford, Ohio, along with developmental assets FC Cincinnati 2 (MLS NEXT Pro), the FC Cincinnati Academy, and Youth programs.

The business operates a multi-stream sports entertainment model. Revenue is generated through auto-renewing season ticket memberships (sold out since 2024), single-match and group tickets sold via SeatGeek with mobile/NFC entry, premium hospitality across 53 suites and 4,500 premium seats, corporate sponsorships (flagship partner TQL holds stadium naming rights; First Financial Bank, Adidas, Allegiant Air, Continental Tire, Mercy Health, and Levy Restaurants are also tier-one partners), official merchandise, private stadium event rentals, and media rights distributed through Apple TV MLS Season Pass starting in 2026. The customer base spans individual fans, corporate hospitality clients, and local businesses in a Pub Partner program, with The Bailey supporters' section (3,100+ standing fans) functioning as the cultural anchor.

Technology is sourced primarily through strategic vendor partnerships rather than internal R&D. FC Cincinnati is one of nine MLS clubs integrated with SeatGeek IQ for AI-powered event intelligence, has deployed seven Evolv Express AI security screening systems venue-wide, and bundles the Apple TV MLS Season Pass into season memberships. The club is privately held by a consortium led by Carl H. Lindner III (controlling owner and CEO) and managing owners Meg Whitman, Dr. Griff Harsh, Scott Farmer, and George Joseph, with Jeff Berding serving as President and Co-CEO.

Name

FC Cincinnati

Legal name

Fussball Club Cincinnati, LLC

Website

https://fccincinnati.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

FC Cincinnati is a privately held Major League Soccer franchise competing in the MLS Eastern Conference, playing home matches at the 26,000-seat TQL Stadium. The club generates revenue from season memberships, match tickets, premium hospitality, corporate sponsorships, merchandise, stadium rentals, and media rights to fans and corporate clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Soccer (Major League Soccer)

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Spectator Sports (71121), Spectator Sports (7112), Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Team Sports Clubs (Football/Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Hockey, Rugby, Cricket, etc.) (MPAKABAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Association Football (Soccer) Leagues (MPAKAAAA), Professional & Major League Stadiums (MPAKAEAA), Team Sports Matches (Club & National) (MPAGAMAB)

Keywords

• Professional soccer franchise
• Major League Soccer
• Sports entertainment services
• Stadium event hosting
• Corporate sports sponsorship

Headquarters

HQ city

Cincinnati

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Season Ticket Memberships: Annual auto-renewing season ticket memberships providing access to 17 regular season MLS matches plus 2 international tournament matches (CONCACAF Champions Cup, Leagues Cup). Memberships include benefits: exclusive events, priority ticket access, 10% discount at team store, ticket exchange, dedicated service representative, and guaranteed best per-match ticket rate. Annual renewal with opt-out deadline.
2. Single Match Tickets: Individual match tickets sold through SeatGeek platform at varying price points based on seat location and opponent. Includes premium hospitality options and themed match experiences.
3. Group Ticketing: Discounted ticket pricing for groups of 10 or more, with access to exclusive group experiences including walkout kids, sideline showcase, flag kids, center circle kids, and mascot encounters. Group deposits secure priority for seat selection.
4. Premium Hospitality: Premium seating and hospitality including luxury suites, field lounges, loge boxes, terrace spaces, and club access. Includes catering, in-seat service, and exclusive experiences for corporate clients.
5. Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorships: Sponsorship deals with partners including TQL (stadium naming rights), First Financial Bank (official bank), Adidas, Allegiant Air, Continental Tire, and SeatGeek. Includes partnership activation, digital/video production, and branded content.
6. Merchandise & Retail: Official FC Cincinnati merchandise sold through OTR Team Store, online at FCCGo.com, and in-stadium locations. Includes credit/debit card co-branding revenue from First Financial Bank partnership.
7. Stadium Event Rentals: Private event hosting at TQL Stadium with over 9 unique spaces for seated dinners, cocktail receptions, board meetings. Revenue from venue rental and catering services.
8. MLS Season Pass on Apple TV: MLS matches exclusively streamed via Apple TV subscription, with season ticket members receiving one subscription per account included in membership.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

FC Cincinnati operates a Major League Soccer franchise competing in the MLS Eastern Conference, with home matches played at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. The club sells season ticket memberships, single-match tickets, group tickets, premium hospitality experiences, and branded merchandise, while also generating revenue from corporate sponsorships, co-branded financial cards, and private event hosting at its 26,000-seat stadium.

Product overview

FC Cincinnati operates as a unified sports entertainment organization offering professional soccer through its MLS team, world-class venue management at TQL Stadium, and comprehensive fan engagement products. The core offering consists of the MLS soccer team competing at TQL Stadium, supplemented by developmental programs (FC Cincinnati 2, Academy, Youth programs), and community initiatives. Fan-facing products include match tickets across multiple formats (Season Memberships, Single Match Tickets, Group Tickets), premium hospitality experiences (suites, loge boxes, field lounges), and themed matchday events. Supporting products include the mobile app for ticketing and information, branded merchandise, the Prematch at the Park activation, and private event hosting at the stadium. The organization also operates the Mercy Health Training Center for athlete development and offers community programs through its foundation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Season Ticket Memberships Annual auto-renewing membership program providing access to 17 MLS regular-season matches plus 2 international tournament matches (CONCACAF Champions Cup, Leagues Cup) at TQL Stadium. Includes exclusive events, priority ticket access, 10% team store discount, ticket exchange, dedicated service representative, and guaranteed best per-match rate. Annual renewal with opt-out deadline.
• Single Match Tickets Individual match tickets for MLS regular season games, international friendlies (Burnley FC), tournament matches (Leagues Cup), and CONCACAF Champions Cup matches at TQL Stadium, sold via SeatGeek with mobile/NFC entry.
• Group Tickets Discounted ticket pricing for groups of 10 or more with access to exclusive group experiences including walkout kids, sideline showcase, flag kids, center circle kids, and mascot encounters. Group deposits secure priority seat selection.
• Premium Hospitality Premium seating and hospitality including luxury suites (53), field lounges (up to 150 guests), loge boxes (10-12 guests), terrace spaces (55-65 guests), and club access with catering and in-seat service. Includes exclusive experiences for corporate clients and high-end fans.
• FC Cincinnati Co-Branded Credit and Debit Cards FC Cincinnati-branded Visa credit and debit cards issued through First Financial Bank. Credit card earns 3 points/dollar at grocery stores, 2 at restaurants, 1 elsewhere; no annual fees or foreign transaction fees; 0% APR for first 12 months. Debit card offers ticket discounts and 10% off select merchandise. Both include $12 first-drink credit at TQL Stadium per home game.
• Private Events at TQL Stadium Private event hosting at TQL Stadium with over 9 unique spaces for seated dinners, cocktail receptions, board meetings, and other private functions. Revenue from venue rental and catering services.
• Official Team Store and Merchandise Official FC Cincinnati branded merchandise including jerseys, training apparel, and accessories available at the OTR Team Store, in-stadium retail locations, and online through FCCGo.com.
• FC Cincinnati 2 (MLS Next Pro Developmental Team) Wholly-owned MLS Next Pro developmental second team that provides a pathway for younger players to professional soccer while competing in the second tier of the American soccer pyramid.
• FC Cincinnati Academy and Youth Programs Youth soccer development programs including the FC Cincinnati Academy (talent identification and development) and FC Cincinnati Youth (grassroots soccer and community outreach) operated across the club's three campuses.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2023 Supporters' Shield winners - most points in MLS regular season
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• SeatGeekcoreTechnology or IntegrationSeatGeek serves as FC Cincinnati's Official Ticketing Partner, extending a relationship dating back to 2019. The partnership deploys SeatGeek IQ, an AI-powered event intelligence engine, to enhance fan experiences and drive revenue at TQL Stadium. FC Cincinnati is one of nine MLS teams partnered with the platform, gaining access to aggregated data from SeatGeek's wider network of teams and venues.
• FC PortocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership announced January 2026 focused on expanding sporting operations and global brand presence. Collaboration areas include talent and youth development, scouting, technology, data analytics, sports science, and commercial opportunities. FC Porto seeks US market positioning ahead of 2026 World Cup; FC Cincinnati aims to leverage European expertise in talent development.
• Evolv TechnologiescoreTechnology or IntegrationEvolv Technologies completed venue-wide installation of seven Evolv Express AI-powered security screening systems at TQL Stadium for the 2026 season. Systems service all fan and staff entrances, replacing temporary deployment from an international soccer event. Evolv designated as Official Fan Screening Partner of both FC Cincinnati and TQL Stadium.
• First Financial BankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFirst Financial Bank serves as the Official Bank of FC Cincinnati, offering co-branded Visa credit and debit cards. Cardholders receive stadium perks including $12 first drink credit per home game, ticket discounts, and merchandise discounts. Partnership drives customer acquisition through financial services distribution.
• TQLflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerTotal Quality Logistics holds stadium naming rights for TQL Stadium, the $250 million privately-funded soccer-specific venue opened in 2021. Represents the flagship corporate partnership for FC Cincinnati.
• AdidascoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial kit supplier for FC Cincinnati providing all match kits, training apparel, and official merchandise product lines.
• Allegiant AirminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial airline partner of FC Cincinnati, providing travel partnership benefits.
• Continental TireminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial tire partner of FC Cincinnati with partnership branding and activation.
• Mercy HealthcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMercy Health Training Center naming rights holder. The $30 million, 24-acre training facility in Milford, Ohio includes Mercy Health Center of Excellence for team medical and game day fitness needs. Mercy Health First Aid station located at TQL Stadium concourse.
• Levy RestaurantscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLevy Premium Foodservice Limited Partnership provides all catering and food service operations at TQL Stadium. Operates 14 concession stands, three grab-and-go markets, and 20+ portable carts serving variety of food and drinks.
• Apple TV / MLScoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMLS Season Pass on Apple TV serves as exclusive broadcaster for all MLS matches including FC Cincinnati home games. Deal announced November 2025, effective 2026 season. Season ticket members receive one subscription included per account.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Seattle Sounders FC: Pioneering MLS expansion club (2007) with one of the league's strongest supporter cultures (Emerald City Supporters, Brougham End). Comparable as a private MLS franchise demonstrating the long-term compounder playbook of supporter-led attendance, premium hospitality, and sustained competitive performance.
• Nashville SC: MLS expansion-era peer (entered 2020) operating GEODIS Park, a soccer-specific stadium in a mid-sized Southern market. Highly comparable on expansion-stage infrastructure investment, season-ticket-led growth model, and reliance on a single metro market for revenue concentration.
• Atlanta United FC: MLS Eastern Conference club with record-breaking attendance history at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and a strong supporter culture model (Section 17). Comparable as a private MLS franchise that has demonstrated the upside of expansion-era supporter-driven growth in a mid-sized-to-large metro.
• Inter Miami CF: MLS expansion-era club with global brand ambitions, premium stadium (DRV PNK Stadium / planned Miami Freedom Park), and a high-profile ownership group. Comparable as a private MLS franchise pursuing premium hospitality, international star power, and global sponsorships.
• Columbus Crew: MLS Eastern Conference rival based in Columbus, Ohio — geographically closest MLS peer with comparable market size, similar supporter culture dynamics, and the 'Hell is Real' rivalry that FC Cincinnati actively markets. Most directly comparable in market profile and operational setup.
• Orlando City SC: MLS Eastern Conference peer playing at Inter&Co Stadium (soccer-specific venue) with a strong supporter section (The Wall). Comparable on stadium economics, Eastern Conference competition, and the experience curve of building a private MLS franchise in a non-flagship metro.
• St. Louis CITY SC: Newest MLS expansion-era peer (entered 2023) operating CITYPARK, a privately-funded soccer-specific stadium. Highly comparable on expansion-stage timing, soccer-specific stadium economics, and the early-cycle challenge of building season ticket and sponsorship base from scratch.
• Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC): Top-ranked MLS club (#2 in 2026 NY Times Power Rankings) operating BMO Stadium with strong supporter section culture (the 3252), premium hospitality focus, and Apple TV/SeatGeek-style tech partnerships. Closest peer on venue economics, premium seating strategy, and brand-led growth model.
• Austin FC: MLS expansion-era peer (entered 2021) operating Q2 Stadium — a privately-funded soccer-specific venue in a fast-growing mid-sized metro. Closely comparable on stadium-led growth strategy, supporter section economics, and Season Ticket Membership subscription model.
• Charlotte FC: MLS expansion-era club (entered 2022) playing at Bank of America Stadium, owned by David Tepper. Comparable as a private, expansion-era MLS franchise in a mid-sized metro pursuing season ticket growth and corporate partnerships as primary revenue drivers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/fccincinnati
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCqT7uS7skbqqNrn5LCCozMg
• Facebookfacebook.com/fccincinnati
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fc-cincinnati/mycompany/?viewAsMember=true
• Instagraminstagram.com/fccincinnati
• TikToktiktok.com/@fccincy

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about FC Cincinnati