Hometown Soccer Holdings today named Brady O'Connor as President of New Jersey MLS NEXT Pro, with the club set to begin play at NEXUS in Middlesex County, New Jersey in July 2027. O'Connor will lead the club's business operations, including partnerships, ticket sales, marketing, and community engagement, as New Jersey MLS NEXT Pro builds toward its inaugural season.
The local community is invited to meet O’Connor and discuss the future of soccer in Middlesex County at Hailey’s Harp and Pub 400 Main St, Metuchen, NJ 08840 on Wednesday, Sept. 16th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. ET. The event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP HERE to learn more. Fans and supporters can secure their place in history with a deposit for a New Jersey MLS NEXT Pro founding membership by clicking here.
“Brady brings exactly the kind of relationships, credibility, and work ethic needed as we begin building our new club,” said Tom Glick, CEO of Hometown Soccer Holdings. “His experience helping deliver the FIFA World Cup 26 bid and his years working alongside the Governor and Choose New Jersey give him a deep understanding of how to build something meaningful in this state. We are confident Brady will help us build a club that Middlesex County and all of New Jersey can be proud of.”
O'Connor most recently served as Chief of External Affairs for the FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee, where he supported outreach and stakeholder engagement, intergovernmental affairs coordination, regional economic development initiatives, and worked with the Commercial Program to help drive fundraising and sponsorship goals.
“I am honored to be named President of New Jersey MLS NEXT Pro,” said O'Connor. “New Jersey has given me so much, and I know firsthand what soccer means to communities across the State. I could not be more excited to help build a club that reflects New Jersey values in Middlesex County and to bring professional soccer to fans who have waited a long time for a team of their own. Our goal is to provide an experience that is accessible, affordable, and fun for all.”
O’Connor has a long history serving in the state. Before joining the Host Committee, O'Connor served as Chief of Staff to the President and CEO of Choose New Jersey, the state's leading marketing and business attraction non-profit, where he supported the CEO and led coordination of organizational operations, including domestic and international trade and business development missions. Prior to that, O'Connor served as Special Assistant to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy during the Governor's first term, notably working on the FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey bid.
A lifelong soccer fan, O'Connor holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a minor in Public Policy from Ramapo College of New Jersey, where he played goalkeeper on the men's soccer team and currently serves on the Board of Trustees.
New Jersey MLS NEXT Pro was announced on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, when Hometown Soccer Holdings, New York City FC, MLS NEXT Pro, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherril and Middlesex County officials unveiled plans to bring professional soccer to Middlesex County. Starting in July of 2027, the club will play at NEXUS, a new $350 million sports and entertainment district anchored by a 6,500-seat stadium. New Jersey MLS NEXT Pro plans to engage the local community to help name the club. Details on the ‘Name the Club’ campaign will be announced at a later date.
New Jersey MLS NEXT Pro will call the state-of-the-art stadium at NEXUS home. Slated for a ribbon-cutting later this year, NEXUS is a sports and entertainment district that comprises a 6,500-seat stadium with an adjacent plaza, recreational fields, and a full-service restaurant and bar. The stadium itself includes luxury-style suites, two upper-level party decks, a premium bar that opens to the field, and an extensive grass hill with a playground for families and fans to watch matches. The new stadium is located within walking distance of Nexus Fields, a new premier 14-field youth tournament destination. Its opening represents a new era of professional soccer for Middlesex County, one of New Jersey's most populous and diverse counties.