Lacey will lead all men’s and women’s business operations, focus on revenue growth
Fort Lauderdale, Florida (April 23, 2025) – Today, the United Soccer League’s (USL) Fort Lauderdale United FC announced Sharon Lacey as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Sharon joins Fort Lauderdale United FC after nearly 15 years with the Premier League’s Crystal Palace FC, where she most recently served as Chief Operating Officer.
“As South Florida continues to experience an unprecedented surge in soccer’s popularity, I am thrilled to welcome Sharon Lacey as Fort Lauderdale United FC’s new CEO,” said Tommy Smith, Fort Lauderdale United Founder and Chairman. “Sharon was pivotal to the growth and success of Crystal Palace FC, contributing significantly to the club’s standing in one of the world’s most competitive football leagues. I know Sharon will have a similar impact on our club, players, employees, sponsors, community partners, and fans.”
During Sharon’s tenure at Crystal Palace, she managed football club operations, including, but not limited to, strategic planning, operational budgets, ticketing, facilities, product development, marketing, and community engagement. She also spearheaded the club’s leadership on soccer accessibility.
“This is a very exciting and historic time in the evolving landscape of American soccer,” said Sharon Lacey, Fort Lauderdale United FC CEO. “I look forward to leveraging my experience in the Premier League to drive Fort Lauderdale United’s operational excellence, revenue growth, and long-term success.”
“Given our club’s mission, a key priority for me starting on day one will be engaging all of our stakeholders – including our employees, players, fans, local business and community leaders, and international partners – as we work with common purpose to build Fort Lauderdale United FC into South Florida’s premier soccer destination,” continued Lacey.
The news of Sharon’s Lacey’s appointment as CEO comes during an inaugural year of tremendous Fort Lauderdale United FC investment and momentum, including:
- A playoff contender USL Super League professional women’s soccer team;
- Inaugural seasons in the USL pre-professional League Two (men’s) and W League (women’s) this summer;
- The official launch of Fort Lauderdale United’s girls’ pathway to Division 1 professional soccer through the USL Academy League;
- The official launch of Fort Lauderdale United’s boys’ pathway to the professional level with the addition of the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL Boys), ECNL Regional League (ECNL RL), and National Premier League (NPL) programs;
- The announcement of Fort Lauderdale United’s plans to establish a men’s professional team;
- The historic friendly matchup with NJ/NY Gotham FC in the first official meeting between the USL Super League and National Women’s Soccer League;
- The closing of a seven-figure investment from Future Sporting Ventures (FSV); and
- The completion of $7 million in upgrades to the 7,000-seat Beyond Bancard Field.
About Fort Lauderdale United FC Relentlessly striving for greatness at every level – from nurturing our youth talent to embodying the enduring values of Fort Lauderdale – our club stands as a beacon of global competition, unifying our community under the banner of soccer. Through our dedication to excellence both on and off the pitch, and our unwavering pursuit of success, we create a pathway from aspiring youth to professional mastery, ensuring that passion meets opportunity. For more information, please visit www.ftlutd.com or follow @FTLUTD on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Twitter.