Sports
Silicon Valley Entrepreneurs Bring Professional Soccer Team To San Francisco
Published
10 years agoon
By
Willie DavidSAN FRANCISCO, (FNN NEWS) — A group of entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley and Brazil announced today a new professional soccer team will be coming to San Francisco. The new team, named the San Francisco Deltas, the city’s only professional club, will begin play in February 2017.
The San Francisco soccer startup is led by Colombian-born entrepreneur, Brian Andrés Helmick.
“Today is a great day for Bay Area soccer and sports fans alike,” said Brian Andrés Helmick, SF Deltas CEO. “This game — soccer, fútbol, football — is one that unites us all, crossing all boundaries whether geographical, religious or socio-economic. Now fans of the world’s largest sport will have an opportunity to experience it played at the highest level right here in the heart of the City.”
The team is funded by a diverse group of investors who have helped build companies like Apple, Facebook, Google, PayPal, Twitter and Yahoo. The investor group also includes individuals from venture capital firms including Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Felicis and Precursor. Finally, the investor group counts on entrepreneurs from Brazil who bring their expertise from the country with the most World Cup wins and the birthplace of some of the greatest players of all time.
“Timing is everything and current awareness of global soccer teams and players by Americans is at its peak,” said Emily Melton, Deltas investor and Partner at venture capital firm Draper Fisher Jurvetson. “The trend of average stadium attendance for pro soccer is not only outpacing, but in some cases surpassing that of the NBA and NHL.”
Given its tech savvy fan-base, the startup plans on leveraging technology to enhance fan and player experiences, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ticketing and Virtual Reality.
“This opportunity is at the intersection of the technology capital of the world and the biggest sport in the world,” said Charles Hudson, Deltas investor and Managing Partner at Precursor Ventures. “Whether it’s VR, AI Ticketing, or wearables, Deltas fans will experience a well-integrated level of participatory engagement that will bring them into the action.”
The name ‘Deltas’ captures the spirit of the franchise squarely rooted in the San Francisco Bay Area that is known for change and innovation. The logo is a triangle and symbol for delta which means change. The logo incorporates the “S” and “F” of “San Francisco”.
The team intends to join the North American Soccer League (NASL), an alternate league to Major League Soccer (MLS), and will compete in the U.S. Open Cup and will host friendly matches, including a pre-season match against the San Jose Earthquakes.
Home matches will be played at Kezar Stadium, formerly home of the San Francisco 49ers, when they were in their startup phase. The greatest soccer player of all time Pelé even played in the stadium located in Golden Gate Park.
Deltas fans can now reserve their inaugural season tickets at sfdeltas.com and become Founding Season Ticket Members for an initial deposit of $50 per person. The stadium only has capacity for approximately 10,000 fans, so the inaugural season is expected to be sold out. Accessibility is a priority for the Deltas, so 3,000 Discounted Tickets for $20 or less will be available, subject to first come, first serve. The team is currently running a season ticket referral program offering fans an opportunity to win up to a lifetime of season tickets.
“We are fans who feel blessed to be in a position to be running a soccer team and wanted to do something special,” said Brian Andrés Helmick, SF Deltas CEO. “The person who refers the most people to buy season tickets will win lifetime season tickets and will be assigned Founding Season Ticket Holder #1. In short, we are searching for our #1 fan.” People can also win 5-year and 1-year season tickets.
You may like
Sports
GM Brands Dominate Detroit as Cadillac and Corvette Capture IMSA Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic Wins
Published
2 days agoon
May 31, 2026DETROIT (FNN SPORTS) — Cadillac and Chevrolet celebrated a historic hometown sweep Saturday as both General Motors brands captured class victories in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic.
Competing in the shadow of General Motors’ Renaissance Center headquarters along the Detroit Riverwalk, the No. 31 Cadillac Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R driven by Jack Aitken and Earl Bamber dominated the 100-minute race to secure the overall victory and Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class win.
In Grand Touring Daytona Pro (GTD PRO), Antonio Garcia and Alexander Sims powered the No. 3 Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports Corvette Z06 GT3.R to victory, giving Chevrolet a celebrated win on its home turf.
Cadillac Continues Detroit Dominance
The No. 31 Cadillac controlled the race from start to finish, executing a near-flawless performance in front of General Motors executives, employees, and supporters.
The victory marked Cadillac’s fifth IMSA triumph in Detroit, adding to previous wins in 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022. The result also extended the No. 31 team’s streak to seven consecutive GTP podium finishes.
“To do it here at the home of GM and Cadillac with so many friends and family with us, my team absolutely nailed it,” Aitken said after the race.
The No. 25 BMW M Team WRT BMW M Hybrid V8 finished second in class, while the No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac V-Series.R completed the GTP podium.
Meanwhile, the No. 93 Acura Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian Acura ARX-06 earned the IMSA Michelin Sustainability in Racing Award with its fourth-place finish.
Corvette Capitalizes on Late-Race Drama
While Cadillac’s victory was largely under control, the GTD PRO race featured significant late-race drama.
Garcia nearly lost the lead when Jack Hawksworth attempted a pass entering Turn 1 in the No. 14 Vasser Sullivan Racing Lexus RC F GT3. Contact between the two cars triggered a penalty against Hawksworth, whose Lexus received a drive-through penalty for incident responsibility.
Despite the pressure, Garcia maintained control on the final restart to secure his first IMSA victory in Detroit and the 32nd IMSA win of his career.
“Super happy to be in victory lane in Chevrolet land,” Garcia said. “I think all the big bosses will be very happy, as we are. It was a fantastic drive by Alex, who put the car on pole and opened a big gap early.”
The late-race chaos opened the door for the No. 9 Pfaff Motorsports Lamborghini Temerario GT3 driven by Andrea Caldarelli and Sandy Mitchell to earn the new car’s first podium finish in second place.
The No. 65 Ford Mustang GT3 driven by Christopher Mies and Frederic Vervisch rounded out the GTD PRO podium in third.
Championship Battle Tightens Heading to Watkins Glen
Both class winners started from the Motul Pole Award position and successfully converted pole into victory despite two late caution periods that reshuffled the field and intensified competition during the closing laps.
The victory unofficially moves Aitken into the lead of the GTP championship standings, while the No. 4 Corvette pairing of Nicky Catsburg and Tommy Milner maintains the GTD PRO points lead, though by a reduced margin.
The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship returns June 28 for the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen at Watkins Glen International, one of the premier endurance races on the North American sports car calendar.
Sports
Dolphins Announce Free 2026 NFL Draft Watch Parties in Fort Lauderdale and Miami
Published
2 months agoon
April 16, 2026By
FNN SPORTSMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Miami Dolphins will host their 2026 NFL Draft Party presented by Bud Light on Thursday, April 23 at 7 p.m. ET, offering fans two locations across South Florida to watch the first round of the NFL Draft.
The free events will take place at The Wharf Fort Lauderdale and Regatta Grove, providing fans in Broward and Miami-Dade counties an opportunity to gather and celebrate as the draft unfolds.
DRAFT PARTY DETAILS AND FAN EXPERIENCE
Te events are free and open to the public, with fans encouraged to reserve their spots in advance due to limited capacity. Activities will include interactive games, giveaways, photo opportunities, and appearances by the Dolphins mascot and cheerleaders.
Both venues will also feature live panel discussions with current players and team alumni, offering insight, analysis and personal stories related to the draft.
Season ticket members will receive select complimentary food and beverage offerings during the event.
DOLPHINS’ STRONG DRAFT POSITION
Miami enters the 2026 NFL Draft with significant capital, holding 11 total selections, including two first-round picks at Nos. 11 and 30.
The team also holds a second-round pick (No. 43), four third-round selections (Nos. 75, 87, 90 and 94), a fourth-round pick (No. 130), a fifth-round pick (No. 151) and two seventh-round picks (Nos. 227 and 238).
With seven selections in the top 100, this marks one of the franchise’s most anticipated drafts in recent years.
COUNTDOWN TO THE NFL DRAFT
The draft party marks the start of the team’s one-week countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft, as fans prepare to see how Miami builds its roster for the upcoming season.
The dual-location format is designed to expand fan access and engagement across South Florida, bringing together supporters for a shared viewing experience.
Sports
Las Vegas to Host Super Bowl LXIII at Allegiant Stadium in 2029, NFL Announces
Published
2 months agoon
March 30, 2026By
Willie DavidNEW YORK (FNN SPORTS) — The National Football League announced that Las Vegas will host Super Bowl LXIII in 2029 at Allegiant Stadium, marking the second time the city will stage the league’s championship game.
The announcement was made during the NFL’s Annual Meeting in Phoenix, following a review by the league’s Fan Engagement & Major Events Committee and a vote by NFL team owners.
“We’re excited to bring the Super Bowl back to Las Vegas and provide our fans another incredible experience in one of America’s greatest sports and entertainment destinations,” said Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL. “Super Bowl LVIII demonstrated the scale, energy and hospitality the city brings to global events, and we look forward to working alongside the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Raiders and the community to deliver an even greater experience this time around.”
LAS VEGAS RETURNS AS SUPER BOWL HOST
The 2029 championship will mark the second Super Bowl hosted in Las Vegas. The city debuted as a Super Bowl host in 2024 with Super Bowl LVIII, which attracted more than 330,000 visitors and generated over $1 billion in economic impact, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
“We’re proud the NFL has selected Las Vegas to host Super Bowl LXIII,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of the LVCVA. “Our first Super Bowl showcased the unique energy and scale only this destination can offer, bringing together world-class sports, entertainment and hospitality in one place. Las Vegas was built for moments like this, and we look forward to delivering another exceptional experience for fans in 2029.”
RAIDERS, COMMUNITY PREPARE FOR GLOBAL EVENT
Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis said the return of the Super Bowl reflects the success of the city’s first hosting effort and the collaboration between the NFL, local leaders and the community.
“It’s a testament to the Raiders, the LVCVA, civic leaders, the community and the NFL working together,” Davis said. “Super Bowl LVIII set a high bar, and for Super Bowl LXIII we are committed to raising it even further.”
FAN EXPERIENCES AND HOSPITALITY PROGRAMS
In the lead-up to Super Bowl LXIII, Las Vegas will host a series of major events across the metropolitan area, including NFL Honors, Super Bowl Experience, and Super Bowl Opening Night, along with community initiatives such as NFL Source, the league’s procurement program supporting local and underrepresented businesses.
Meanwhile, On Location, the NFL’s official hospitality partner, has launched its Priority Access deposit program for Super Bowl LXIII hospitality packages. The program offers fans early access to premium seating, exclusive entertainment, luxury hospitality experiences and other curated game-day packages.
Trending
Sports2 days agoGM Brands Dominate Detroit as Cadillac and Corvette Capture IMSA Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic Wins
Florida5 days agoFlorida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins Pushes “Warrior Leadership” Message in Race for Governor
Central Florida News3 days agoPuerto Rican Business Owner Tatiana Fernandez running for Orange County Commission District 8
Florida4 days agoPuerto Ricans Urge Former State Rep. Daisy Morales to Consider 2026 Run Amid Representation Decline
Florida2 days agoFormer Air Force Colonel and Physician Rudolph Moise Seeks Florida Congressional Seat Vacated by Frederica Wilson