#United States #BridgePort #CT United FC #Connecticut Sports Group #Stephon Castle

Stephon Castle Partners with Connecticut Sports Group to Elevate Local Soccer

In a significant development for Connecticut's sports landscape, Stephon Castle, a promising young player from the NBA San Antonio Spurs, has officially joined the Connecticut Sports Group (CTSG) as part of an expanded ownership team. This collaboration is set to amplify the state's commitment to professional soccer, encompassing both the men’s club, CT United FC, set to compete in MLS NEXT Pro in 2026, and a forthcoming women's professional soccer team joining the WPSL Pro in 2028.

Castle, celebrated for his time as a national champion with the UConn Huskies, expressed enthusiasm about this new venture, recognizing Connecticut's rich sports culture. With a desire to inspire young athletes and connect with fans across the state, Castle and his family are excited to be part of building elite soccer clubs that foster community pride and engagement.

CTSG’s expanded ownership model signifies a strategic move toward creating a fully integrated professional soccer organization in Connecticut. Joining Castle are an array of successful entrepreneurs and investors from diverse sectors, including technology, real estate, and private equity, enhancing the group’s collective influence and ability to construct competitive teams and state-of-the-art facilities.

Notable New Members of the Ownership Group:

• - Michael Salguero, founder and CEO of ButcherBox, known for its ethical food sourcing standards, is among the latest additions. Salguero not only leads a successful business but is also deeply committed to sustainable agriculture, reflecting values complementary to the community's expectations.
• - Johan Bjurström, a Swedish private equity investor, represents a global perspective within the group. His involvement in charitable initiatives, particularly those supporting education and health, complements CTSG's community-oriented mission.
• - Calvin L. Butts Jr., a notable figure in private equity and a trustee at significant educational institutions, brings substantial expertise in investment strategies that could drive economic growth through sports.
• - Along with Shiva Sarram and Drew Pearson, both seasoned investors from Connecticut, this diverse group aims to capitalize on their collective experience to enhance the local sports scene.

The overarching goal of CTSG, led by co-owners André and Michelle Swanston, is to create a unified vision for soccer in Connecticut. They plan to develop elite men’s and women’s teams alongside launching the only free MLS soccer academy in the state. Future plans also include constructing a state-of-the-art waterfront stadium in Bridgeport, pivotal in supporting community events and enhancing local engagement with professional soccer.

Future Visions and Community Impact

CTSG's ambitious roadmap seeks to elevate both soccer clubs to the highest echelons of professional sports while fostering community connections. André Swanston highlighted the excitement around this moment, emphasizing that it’s not just a milestone for soccer in Connecticut but a transformative initiative for the state as a whole. The fusion of business acumen and sportsmanship is intended to produce a thriving sports culture that energizes the local economy and promotes healthy community interaction.

With investors like Castle at the helm, the message is clear: the future of Connecticut soccer is bright, promising, and driven by a coalition that understands the significance of sports as an agent for change. As this new chapter unfolds, the community awaits the positive ripple effects of this initiative, which aims to solidify Connecticut as a national leader in professional sports and community development.

For more information about the Connecticut Sports Group and their future initiatives, you can visit their official website CT Sports Group.