Tampa Bay United SC
EIN: 45-2508287 · Tax status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Overview
Founded as a youth soccer club in Tampa, FL. 501(c)(3) nonprofit, designated March 2015. Address: PO BOX 272051, Tampa, FL 33688. Largest youth soccer club in Tampa. Also previously operated USL League Two men’s and USL W League women’s teams.
In 2017, formed official partnership with Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship), rebranding as “Tampa Bay United Rowdies.” Joined MLS Next in 2020.
Financials
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY2025 | $4,950,945 | $4,680,638 | -$20,271 |
| FY2024 | $4,605,976 | $4,809,756 | $434,757 |
| FY2023 | $3,704,682 | $3,727,780 | $604,581 |
| FY2022 | $3,965,447 | $4,045,384 | $657,884 |
| FY2021 | $3,969,687 | $3,453,836 | $737,821 |
Revenue grew from $1.9M (2014) to $5.0M (2025). (HIGH — 990 filings)
Negative net assets (-$20K) as of FY2025. Persistent thin margins with multiple years of operating deficits. Financial pressure is evident despite revenue growth.
Compensated leadership (FY2025):
- Patricia Taliaferro (Executive Director): $180,000
- Brian Johnson (Sporting Director): $175,000
- Alex Delgado (Director of Soccer): $120,000
Teams & Players
Boys and girls ages U11-U19 competitive program. Recreational league at three locations. MLS Next academy teams.
League Affiliations
- mls-next (Academy Division, joined 2020)
- Florida Club Leagues
- Tampa Bay Rowdies official youth affiliate
Facilities
Operates out of three locations:
- North Tampa: ed-radice-sports-complex (138 acres, 9 soccer fields, Hillsborough County owned)
- South Tampa: Monroe Middle School
- Wesley Chapel: Wesley Chapel District Park
No owned facilities.
Leadership
- Patricia Taliaferro — Executive Director ($180K)
- Brian Johnson — Sporting Director ($175K)
- Alex Delgado — Director of Soccer ($120K)
- David Christiansen — Board President (unpaid)
- David Doney — Vice President (unpaid)
- Chris Ochs — Secretary (unpaid)
- Marcia Romero — Treasurer (unpaid)
Competitive Position
TBU is the dominant club in the Tampa metro area by revenue and brand. The Rowdies partnership provides professional pathway credibility. Competes with chargers-sc (Clearwater/Pinellas) and florida-premier-fc (Pasco) for Tampa Bay area talent.
Key weakness: negative net assets and chronic thin margins despite being a $5M operation. The MLS Next-only pathway (no ECNL) may limit appeal for some families.
Investment Thesis
Tier 1 acquisition target. $5.0M revenue, largest Tampa club, MLS Next + Rowdies affiliation. Financial stress (negative net assets) may create acquisition opportunity at favorable valuation. The Rowdies partnership adds professional pathway value. No facility ownership is a risk factor.
Open Questions
- What is driving the persistent operating deficits?
- Is the Rowdies partnership contractual or informal? Can it transfer in an acquisition?
- Why no ECNL participation alongside MLS Next?
- What’s the relationship with Florida Premier FC (nearby competitor)?
- Total player count across rec + competitive?