HOMESTEAD, FL – Construction is officially underway on the Sports Performance Hub (SPH), a $280 million sports and education campus in South Dade, Florida. The groundbreaking, held at the former Homestead Sports Complex, marks the beginning of a project envisioned to establish the region as a global center for athletic excellence, academic innovation, and community development.
The ambitious project, funded entirely through private investment, aims to provide a comprehensive ecosystem for young athletes, combining elite training facilities with high-performance education. The Sports Performance Hub is designed to be a scalable model, offering opportunities across multiple sports and academic disciplines.
A Star-Studded Initiative
The SPH is spearheaded by a distinguished group of global athletes, and entrepreneurs. Leading the charge are soccer legend Juan Sebastián Verón, Olympic gold medalist Pepe Sanchez, and Dario Sala. They are joined by co-founders including Gaston Remy, Emiliano Fernández Balagué, Riccardo Silva – majority owner of Miami FC and founder of Silva International Investments – Nick Sakiewicz, NBA star Manu Ginobili, tennis professionals Juan “Pico” Mónaco and Mariano Zabaleta, and NFL veteran Martin Gramatica. The financial backing for the project comes from a company affiliated with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia.
What the Campus Will Offer
The 92-acre campus is planned to include a range of state-of-the-art facilities. Elite multi-sport academies will offer specialized training and expert coaching in soccer, tennis, basketball, baseball, and American football. A world-class boarding school will provide a residential preparatory environment for nearly 600 student-athletes. A premier 10,000-seat stadium will serve as a home venue for Miami FC, the Homestead Championship Rodeo, and other regional entertainment events. The campus will also feature a five-star sports-themed hotel and amenities, alongside specialized healthcare and wellness services, including an advanced center for sports medicine, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation. Inclusive public spaces, such as recreational facilities and a children’s playground, are also planned.
“This project isn’t just about structures or investments; it’s about people and possibilities,” said Nick Sakiewicz, CEO of Sports Performance Hub. “With this $280 million privately funded commitment, we are creating a place where young athletes can dream large, families can see real opportunities close to home, and the Homestead community can thrive alongside them. By uniting elite multi-sport training, education, and hospitality, we are building an ecosystem that supports the whole athlete and strengthens the local economy for generations to approach.”
A Phased Approach to Development
The development of the Sports Performance Hub will occur in two phases. Phase 1, slated for 2025-2026, will focus on establishing the core non-residential academies and training infrastructure. Phase 2, scheduled for 2026-2027, will add the hotel, student housing, and the stadium that will serve as the home field for Miami FC. The project is supported by a $280 million investment, in addition to approximately $60 million in land value based on an 80-year lease agreement with the city of Homestead.
Miami FC Integration
SPH holds a 60% majority stake in Miami FC, the city’s longest-standing professional soccer team. This ownership provides a direct pathway for student-athletes to progress to the professional level. In conjunction with the groundbreaking, Miami FC announced a historic partnership with Avianca, designating the Colombian airline as the team’s official jersey sponsor and exclusive carrier. This partnership underscores the Hub’s strategic positioning as a gateway between Latin America, the United States, and the world.
The Sports Performance Hub, located in Homestead, Florida, represents a pioneering initiative created by a collective of athletes and entrepreneurs from around the globe. The Hub aims to enhance the region through job creation, economic impact, and youth development by uniting elite sports academies with training programs, wellness initiatives, hospitality services, and community engagement. The co-founders have created a platform connecting sports, economics, education, and community, positioning South Dade as a model for innovation and inclusion in the global sports economy.
The project’s location in South Dade is particularly significant, aiming to revitalize the area and provide opportunities for local residents. The Hub’s commitment to community development extends beyond athletic training, with plans for inclusive public spaces and programs designed to benefit the wider Homestead area.
As construction progresses, the Sports Performance Hub is poised to become a landmark destination for aspiring athletes and a catalyst for economic growth in South Florida. The project’s success will depend on its ability to deliver on its promise of providing world-class training, education, and opportunities for young athletes from all backgrounds.
What’s Next: Phase 1 of the Sports Performance Hub is expected to be completed by 2026, with the opening of the initial academies and training facilities. Miami FC will continue to operate and prepare for the upcoming season, with the new Avianca sponsorship taking effect immediately. Further updates on the construction progress and program details will be available on the SPH website: www.sperformancehub.com.
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