Ocean City, NJ - After years of planning, and long conversations with team and league officials, the Ocean City Nor’easters are proud to announce that the team will compete in Major League Soccer starting in the 2026 season!

One of the most successful pre-professional outfits in the nation, the Nor’easters join MLS as the league’s 31st club and will bring their robust USL-2 history to the big leagues. Expect fans from all over the Tri-State region to fill the seats at Carey Stadium, affectionately known as the ‘Beach House’. 

Many may remember the Nor’easters from past US Open Cup campaigns. Since 2002, they have participated in 11 editions of the fabled tournament, racking up 13 wins along the way. These include ‘Cupsets’ against USL sides Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Charlotte Independence. 

These results give Ocean City more overall Cup wins than 9 current MLS sides, including the likes of: Atlanta United FC, Austin FC, Charlotte FC, Inter Miami CF, Minnesota United FC, Nashville SC, NYC FC, Saint Louis City SC, and San Diego FC.

The Storm will become just the 2nd MLS club based in New Jersey, with the New York Red Bulls representing an intra-state rival. On away days, fans will simply take the Garden State Parkway and I-95 N up-state to Harrison, NJ and can look forward to easily finding great seats in Red Bull Arena. 

Another MLS side that Ocean City already has history with is the Philadelphia Union. The nearby Boys in Blue will make the short trip from Chester to Ocean County for the first time in team history. The two sides faced off at PPL Talen Energy Subaru Park in the 3rd round of the 2013 US Open Cup, where the Union needed a late injury time winner from USMNTer Brian Carroll to knock off a resilient Storm side.

Some may be wondering why MLS chose to award Ocean City, NJ an MLS franchise.

MLS commissioner Don Garber was reportedly pleased with the existing academy structure, the established pathway of former Ocean City players reaching the professional level, and the location of a Wawa within 1 mile of Carey Stadium. 

Reports that his favorite vacation spot is the Ocean City Boardwalk are unconfirmed.

The Ocean City Nor’easters are excited for the next chapter in club history. The Storm is Coming to MLS! 

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