The Santa Barbara Sky FC has delayed its debut in the United Soccer League after gaining the franchise rights to play in the USL Championship starting in the 2026 season.
Originally slated to compete in the lower-tier USL League One this March before pushing their inaugural season to next year , the Sky accepted the opportunity to acquire the rights of the suspended Memphis 901 franchise and enter the Championship.
Sky FC owner Peter Moore said the upgrade will require months of preparation for “a much bigger operation.”