Memphis 901 FC Company Profile

Background

Memphis 901 FC was an American professional soccer team based in Memphis, Tennessee. Founded on January 8, 2018, the club began competing in the United Soccer League (USL) Championship in 2019. The team's name, "901," referenced the local area code, emphasizing its deep connection to the Memphis community.

Key Strategic Focus

The club aimed to establish a strong soccer presence in Memphis, fostering community engagement and developing local talent. Competing in the USL Championship, Memphis 901 FC sought to provide high-quality soccer entertainment and cultivate a dedicated fan base.

Financials and Funding

Memphis 901 FC was privately owned by a consortium including Peter Freund, Craig Unger, and former U.S. Men's National Team goalkeeper Tim Howard. The club's revenue was estimated between $1 million and $5 million, with a staff size ranging from 21 to 50 employees.

Pipeline Development

The club's development efforts focused on building a competitive team roster and enhancing fan engagement. Plans for a new soccer-specific stadium were part of the strategic initiatives to provide a dedicated venue for home matches and community events.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Memphis 901 FC utilized various technologies to enhance operations and fan engagement, including:

Website Platform: WordPress VIP

E-commerce: Shopify

Analytics: Facebook Pixel

Advertising: Google Publisher Tag

Cookie Compliance: Osano

Web Servers: Nginx

Widgets: ShareThis

JavaScript Libraries: Swiper

Leadership Team

Peter Freund: Principal Owner

Craig Unger: President and General Manager

Tim Howard: Sporting Director (until June 19, 2024)

Leadership Changes

On June 19, 2024, Tim Howard stepped down from his role as Sporting Director.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The USL Championship featured numerous teams across the United States, contributing to a competitive and growing soccer landscape. Memphis 901 FC's market included over 8,000 youth soccer players, an established American Outlaws chapter, and strong collegiate programs.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors included:

Birmingham Legion FC: A regional rival with a strong fan base and competitive performance in the USL Championship.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Memphis 901 FC engaged in several partnerships to strengthen its community presence:

Cancer Kickers Soccer Club: In March 2024, the club announced Cancer Kickers as the front-of-jersey sponsor for the 2024 season, highlighting a commitment to social responsibility.

United Way of the Mid-South: Partnered for the "Stuff the Bus" campaign in July 2024, benefiting local students.

Operational Insights

The club's operations were centered around community engagement, competitive performance, and plans for infrastructure development, including a proposed soccer-specific stadium to enhance the matchday experience and provide a dedicated venue for fans.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Despite efforts to secure funding for a new stadium, Memphis 901 FC faced challenges in establishing a permanent home. In November 2024, the club announced the transfer of its USL Championship franchise rights to Santa Barbara Sky FC, citing the inability to secure funding for a new soccer-specific stadium.