Chicago Stars FC
Chicago Stars FC, formerly the Chicago Red Stars, is an NWSLNWSLThe National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is a professional women’s soccer league in the United States with 16 clubs in 2026. It stages a regular season, playoffs and the Challenge Cup, while a collective bargaining agreement governs employment relations between clubs and players.Open the full entry women's professional soccer club in the Chicago area, playing in Evanston in 2026.
Contents9 sections
Key facts
2006–2013Origins and entry into the NWSL
The club received its charter in 2006, began playing in Women’s Professional Soccer in 2009, later competed in the Women’s Premier Soccer League, and became a founding NWSL club in 2013.[1]
2019–2021Three final appearances
The club reached the NWSL Championship finals in 2019 and 2021, and the inaugural NWSL Challenge Cup final in 2020.[1]
January 2023League sanction
On January 9, 2023, the NWSL fined the club $1.5 million.[2]
September 2023Ownership sale completed
On September 1, 2023, an investor group led by Laura Ricketts completed its acquisition. The club described the deal as valued at $60 million, with the new owners outlining plans to improve player facilities, the supporter experience, and organizational culture.[3]
October 2024New name and crest announced
On October 23, 2024, the club announced the Chicago Stars FC name and a new crest retaining a red star inspired by Chicago’s flag. It kept the Red Stars identity for the remainder of 2024 and fully adopted the new branding in 2025.[4]
2026Home matches move to Evanston
For the 2026 season, the club moved its home matches from SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview to Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium in Evanston.[1]
September 2026Chief soccer officer appointed
On September 17, 2026, the club named Vlatko Andonovski chief soccer officer, overseeing sporting and technical operations including roster construction, scouting, transfers, and player development.[5]
Related Organizations, Websites, and Public Accounts
Chicago Stars FC: Official website: https://chicagostars.com/ (opens in a new window).[6]
Sources
- Chicago Stars FC 2026 Media Guide (opens in a new window)
- Statement Regarding Corrective Action (opens in a new window)
- Laura Ricketts-Led Group of Diverse Investors Buys Chicago Red Stars in $60 Million Deal (opens in a new window)
- Chicago Red Stars Unveil New Name and Crest (opens in a new window)
- Chicago Stars FC Names Vlatko Andonovski as Chief Soccer Officer (opens in a new window)
- Teams — NWSL (opens in a new window)