It’s a big year for soccer in 2026 with the World Cup scheduled for this summer. Luckily for Celina, professional mens soccer will remain long after the World Cup ends. Celina is now home to Rodeo Soccer Club (Rodeo SC), a professional mens team joining United Soccer League (USL) League One, a growing league in the third tier of professional soccer.
The club will officially join USL League One with its inaugural season scheduled for 2027. Rodeo SC will serve as the professional affiliate of Texoma FC, which will compete in USL League Two in 2026. Together, the two clubs will create “an interconnected pathway into the professional ranks,” according to a recent media announcement.
Rodeo SC was introduced to Celina last November. The name “Rodeo” pays tribute to the city’s rich history, representing not just geography but the western customs and reputation long associated with Celina. The ownership group aimed to capture the ideals that so many love about the community and reflect them in the club’s identity. After all, when you hear the name Celina, you think of longhorn cattle, hay bales along Preston Road, the charm of the downtown square, cowboys and horses, and of course, sports.
Rodeo Soccer Club is led by founder Ben Watson and principal owner Jacob West. Watson, a native of Celina and Sherman, is a former professional soccer player. West, a native of Denison, Texas, brings a background in real estate and private equity. Together, they offer strong local ties and deep experience in sports leadership.
“Rodeo Soccer Club is the embodiment of true Texan heritage meeting the beautiful game,” Watson said. “Rodeo SC is built on the foundation of bringing Western culture and the universal language of sport together under one common identity. We will bring the community together through the world’s game, create player pathways from youth to professional levels, and deliver a distinctly unique, fan friendly Texan experience.”
A few months ago, Rodeo SC began its community engagement efforts, starting with a fan activation at last fall’s Celina Troubadour Festival. The club also hosted numerous “brand listening sessions,” similar to virtual town halls, to hear directly from the community. These efforts included surveys seeking input on team colors, logo elements, and overall brand identity. Watson noted that this feedback was “important in understanding what the people of Celina want their team to be. It will help write the Rodeo SC story.” Based on community input, the club plans to unveil its official crest and full brand in March.
Rodeo SC will play its home matches at Bobcat Stadium. Game days will be about more than soccer, offering an exciting and entertaining experience for fans of all ages. Planned activities include mechanical bull riding, petting zoos, and other western rodeo themed attractions. The club’s supporter group, known in soccer as a dedicated fan section, will be called the Rodeo Clowns and will cheer on the team dressed in cowboy hats and boots. These events aim to unite not only soccer fans, but the entire Celina community. Rodeo SC will also represent Celina on a national stage, highlighting the city’s tradition of excellence in athletics and activities such as soccer, band, cheer, football, and more.
“Celina’s history is full of champions and memorable sports moments. We welcome Rodeo Soccer Club to Celina and look forward to the excitement they will bring to our community,” said Celina Mayor Ryan Tubbs in a recent Rodeo SC press release.
Looking ahead, Rodeo SC will roll out a series of events throughout 2026 to prepare for its inaugural season in 2027. These plans include World Cup watch parties, as national teams may feature future Rodeo SC players. The club will also make a major announcement, based on community feedback, revealing its official logo and team colors.
In March 2026, deposits for inaugural season tickets will begin, with season tickets officially available for purchase in June. Throughout the year, Rodeo SC will host activities and sponsorship opportunities around Celina and plans to move into local office space, further solidifying its presence in the community.
To learn more about Rodeo Soccer Club and follow its progress, visit RodeoSC.pro to sign up for updates, explore partnership opportunities, and follow the journey toward Celina’s first professional soccer club. Fans can also stay connected by following Rodeo Soccer Club on social media.