Central Valley Fuego FC Expands Beyond Soccer with New Stadium and Broader Sports Vision

The former professional soccer club is positioning itself as a community sports development organization with new programs and facilities.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:07pm

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An abstract, energetic painting with vibrant neon brushstrokes depicting a soccer player dribbling the ball, capturing the dynamic movement and passion of the sport.Fuego FC's expansion beyond soccer aims to bring an explosion of sports energy and community spirit to the Central Valley.Fresno Today

Central Valley Fuego FC, a former professional soccer team, is expanding beyond the pitch and repositioning itself as a broader sports and community development organization. The club is preparing to open a new stadium at Blackbeard's Family Entertainment Center in April, marking a major milestone in its evolution. Under new leadership, Fuego FC has added women's soccer, launched a beach soccer initiative, and created the Lightning League, a regional competition with 14 teams across the Central Valley. The club has also jumped into basketball, debuting at the summer Pro-Am where the team won the championship. The goal is to create year-round opportunities and give smaller communities a stronger sense of identity through soccer and potentially other sports.

Why it matters

Fuego FC's transition from a professional soccer club to a broader sports and community development organization reflects a shift in the local sports landscape. By expanding into new sports and facilities, the club aims to strengthen its long-term business model and make Fresno a recognizable sports destination tied to soccer and year-round community activity.

The details

Under the leadership of new club President Brian Easler, who joined in March 2025, Fuego FC has moved quickly to refocus on youth development and new programs after stepping away from professional soccer. The club has added women's soccer, launched a beach soccer initiative, and created the Lightning League, a regional competition with 14 teams across the Central Valley. Fuego FC has also jumped into basketball, debuting at the summer Pro-Am where the team won the championship. The club's new stadium at Blackbeard's Family Entertainment Center is expected to be ready by the end of April, with additional phases of development planned over time. Easler sees the new facility as instrumental in the club's long-term sustainability, as owning its own venue is crucial for survival.

  • Fuego FC joined the USL in 2020.
  • In 2024, the club was mired in controversy surrounding its former coach Jermaine Jones, who was suspended by the USL through the end of 2024 after an independent investigation substantiated harassment, retaliation and hostile conduct toward Fuego FC players.
  • Fuego FC stepped away from professional soccer in 2025.
  • Brian Easler joined as club President in March 2025.
  • Fuego FC's new stadium at Blackbeard's Family Entertainment Center is expected to be ready by the end of April 2026.

The players

Brian Easler

The club President who joined Fuego FC in March 2025 and has led the organization's transition from professional soccer to a broader sports and community development focus.

Jermaine Jones

The former Fuego FC coach who was suspended by the USL through the end of 2024 after an independent investigation substantiated harassment, retaliation and hostile conduct toward Fuego FC players.

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What they’re saying

“When I arrived here, the club just pulled away from professional soccer and they only had the U23 team and one field. The focus of the club was to build more infrastructure, build more fields for the Central Valley, because it lacks.”

— Brian Easler, Club President

“In other countries around the world, it's multi-sport. It's not just soccer. Why don't we do Fuego basketball?”

— Brian Easler, Club President

What’s next

Fuego FC plans to continue expanding its facilities at the Blackbeard's Family Entertainment Center site, with additional phases of development planned over time. The club also aims to hold World Cup watch parties at the new stadium this summer.

The takeaway

Fuego FC's transition from a professional soccer club to a broader sports and community development organization reflects a strategic shift to strengthen its long-term business model and make Fresno a recognizable sports destination. By expanding into new facilities and programs, the club is positioning itself to provide year-round opportunities and a stronger sense of identity for smaller communities across the Central Valley.