Omaha Kings making return to the MASL family, 'It's where we truly belong'

TAMPA, Florida – The Omaha Kings are returning to the Major Arena Soccer League family for the 2025-26 season, joining MASL 2 for the second time now since they were formed in 2019.

The Kings last played in MASL 2 in the 2021-22 season, finishing with a 7-4-1 record in the Midwest division, in a tie atop the standings with the Wichita Wings and Amarillo Bombers. Based on tiebreakers, the Wings and Kings matched up in the quarterfinals that year, with Omaha taking a thrilling 8-7 win over Wichita at Park City Arena in Kansas. They met the San Diego Sockers 2 in the semifinals held at Trinity Arena in Muskegon, and fell in that one, also in overtime, by a 9-8 final. 

They were also one of just seven teams to compete in MASL 2 in 2020-21 during the COVID pandemic, finishing in fifth in the league with a mark of 6-7-1. They also fielded a MASL 3 team that season. 

Support for the Kings have grown significantly in the greater Omaha community since that time, and the team now plays their home games in the 7,800-seat Baxter Arena, which is owned and operated by the University of Nebraska Omaha. The Kings owners – Emmanuel and Natalie Viel – debuted the Omaha Queens at Baxter Arena last season, which quickly became one of the flagship franchises for the inaugural season of play in Major Arena Soccer League Women.

“As the founder of Omaha Kings FC, I’m excited to return to MASL2. This is an incredible opportunity for our organization and players to showcase how far we’ve come—competing at a high level of arena soccer while building rivalries that will bring energy and passion to every match,” Emmanuel said. “The city of Omaha means everything to us, and we can’t wait for the 2025–26 season to kick off and show the league what Omaha and the Kings are all about.” 

The move back to MASL2 not only restores our competitive credibility, but also gives our players the experience they deserve – playing in proper arenas, facing top-tier talent, and traveling within a much more sustainable footprint. We’re excited for what’s ahead – and grateful to compete in a world-class venue like Baxter Arena once again.”

Added Natalie; ““We’re thrilled to return to the MASL pyramid—this is where our journey began, and it’s where we truly belong. Bringing the Kings back into the same league system as our Queens means our entire Kingdom is under one roof again, and that just feels right,” she noted. “The move back to MASL2 not only restores our competitive credibility, but also gives our players the experience they deserve – playing in proper arenas, facing top-tier talent, and traveling within a much more sustainable footprint. We’re excited for what’s ahead – and grateful to compete in a world-class venue like Baxter Arena once again.”

MASL 2 Commissioner Chris Economides noted that the move will set up, or rekindle, some immediate rivalries. 

“They are really the model for how to build an indoor soccer club. It's hard to overstate just how excited the league is to have Omaha back in MASL 2. Manny and Natalie have grown their club the right way, being financially responsible and community centered, and it has paid off in an explosion of their team and fan base,” Economides noted. “They did it exactly right with the Queens last year in MASL W, so the Kings won't miss a beat coming back 'home'. They will step right into the division and be very competitive with the likes of Wichita, the OKC Certified Lions, who are moving to a brand new 4,500 arena in downtown Oklahoma City this season, and others.”

The league will kick off its regular season schedule in late November with games played through late March, followed by the league playoffs. The Chihuahua Savage II defeated the Iowa Demon Hawks in a double-overtime thriller to claim the 2024-25 MASL 2 championship.

For more information on the Kings, visit www.omahakingsfc.com. For more league information, visit www.masl2.com.