Sporting California USA (Arsenal FC)
EIN: 87-2208880 · Tax status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Overview
Formerly known as Arsenal FC. Founded in 1987 by Steve Lucey and Betty Williams. Rebranded to Sporting California USA. Legal entity: Sporting California Inc. Tax-exempt since March 2022 (recently incorporated as nonprofit). Based in Ontario, CA (350 S Milliken Ave Ste J, 91761). 501(c)(3).
Operates throughout Southern California with a strong Inland Empire presence, including sub-regions in Temecula, Murrieta, French Valley, and surrounding areas.
10 National Championships, including three Nike Manchester United Championships. Consistent producer of collegiate and professional players.
Financials
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4,187,310 | $3,450,010 | $3,168,775 |
| 2023 | $3,528,690 | $2,817,171 | $2,432,184 |
| 2022 | $2,938,722 | $2,028,307 | $1,707,850 |
| 2021 | $1,123,732 | $312,419 | $808,220 |
Revenue nearly quadrupled from FY2021 ($1.1M) to FY2024 ($4.2M). Consistently profitable with strong net asset accumulation ($3.2M). (HIGH — 990 filings)
Revenue Sources (FY2024):
- Program services: $3,733,183 (89.2%)
- Contributions: $368,785 (8.8%)
- Investment income: $85,342 (2.0%)
Teams & Players
- Boys and Girls, U8-U19
- ECNL and ECNL Regional League teams
- Multiple sub-regional chapters across Inland Empire and beyond
League Affiliations
- ecnl — Boys and Girls (Southwest Conference)
- ecnl-RL (Regional League)
- US Club Soccer — National Premiere
- SoCal Soccer League
The only full ECNL club (Boys and Girls) in the Inland Empire.
Facilities
Training across municipal facilities in Ontario, Temecula, and surrounding Inland Empire communities.
Leadership
| Name | Title | Compensation (FY2024) |
|---|---|---|
| phillip-brown | President | $210,762 |
| Lisa Looney | Treasurer | $73,590 |
| Ramon Valentin | Secretary | $16,000 |
Competitive Position
Fastest-growing club in Southern California — revenue nearly 4x in three years. The ECNL membership (both genders) gives Sporting CA the highest-level affiliation in the Inland Empire, a region underserved by elite clubs relative to its 4.6M population. Competes with legends-fc in the IE sub-market.
The recent nonprofit incorporation (2022) and explosive growth suggest this club is in a high-growth phase, possibly benefiting from population growth and soccer demand in the IE.
Industry Context
Sporting California USA holds a distinctive position as the only full ECNL club (Boys and Girls) in the Inland Empire — a 4.6M-population sub-market that has historically been underserved by elite soccer programs. The club’s revenue trajectory (nearly 4x from FY2021 to FY2024, reaching $4.2M) reflects rapid demand absorption. At this scale it demonstrates market viability; the recent nonprofit incorporation (2022) marks a relatively young organizational structure relative to the club’s 1987 founding date. Growth is still outpacing peer clubs in the IE, suggesting unmet demand that is now being captured.
Open Questions
- What explains the $368K in contributions (8.8% of revenue)? Sponsor revenue? Grants?
- How many teams and players total?
- What are the specific sub-regional chapters?
- Is President Phillip Brown the operational leader, or is there a separate Executive Director?