CLTFC, the new MLS expansion team in the Carolinas, will take center stage for “WELCOME TO THE TEAM (w/t)”—a competition-based series being developed with Emmy Award Winning Producer Mark Burnett (“Survivor”) where players compete for a spot on the Club’s inaugural roster
CHARLOTTE, NC (Wednesday, October 6, 2021) – Charlotte FC today announced the Club will be the focus of a new sports competition series, “WELCOME TO THE TEAM (w/t)”, currently in development by MGM Television and Major League Soccer. Led by renowned television executives Mark Burnett and Barry Poznick, the project aims to provide viewers unparalleled access into the journey of a group of soccer players from around the globe competing for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join Charlotte Football Club during the inaugural season in 2022.
“At Charlotte FC, we’re very invested in providing soccer players across the world the opportunity to be part of a great organization where they can grow and develop as professionals,” said Owner David Tepper. “By partnering with MGM Television and Major League Soccer to be the first MLS club featured in this new and groundbreaking series, we’re bringing soccer fans in the United States closer to “the beautiful game” that we’re playing in the Carolinas, with different and exclusive content delivered in a way that has never been done before.”
The series will provide 24/7 access as players live and train together while being put to the test to prove they have what it takes to become part of the Club’s inaugural roster. The group of players will be scouted and selected by Charlotte FC, led by the Club’s Sporting Director Zoran Krneta. Hardcore soccer fans will have a rare and exclusive look behind the scenes as they experience rigorous training through elite-level drills and face intense competition in games. Krneta will also lead a panel of judges alongside Club President Nick Kelly, and a rotating panel of soccer legends and celebrity fans, who will evaluate the footballers throughout the series. Based on the results, players will be eliminated from consideration at the end of episodes before a group of finalists reach the season finale where one player will be awarded a spot to play for Charlotte FC.
“With unparalleled access to top athletes trying to earn a spot on a major league sports team, ‘WELCOME TO THE TEAM (w/t)’ will be the definitive sports competition series,” said MGM’s Worldwide Television Chairman Mark Burnett, who has produced some of the most legendary programs of this genre in history, including “Survivor,” “The Voice,” and “Shark Tank.”
Added Barry Poznick, President of Unscripted Television and Orion Television at MGM: “Putting competitors through their paces is something we have done for survivors, singers and entrepreneurs. Now we are working with Major League Soccer and Charlotte FC to showcase professional soccer players who will stop at nothing to prove they have what it takes to be the last athlete standing.”
“Major League Soccer is excited about this innovative project to introduce our newest club to MLS fans, and to do it with MGM, one of the biggest names in reality television, only adds to the opportunity” said Seth Bacon, MLS SVP, Media. “We believe this program will showcase MLS to new fans and provide our existing fans an even closer look at our league and players.”
