Homestead's $280M Sports Hub Breaks Ground, Led by Global Icons

HOMESTEAD, FL – March 02, 2026 – With shovels in the ground and a star-studded group of founders in attendance, construction has officially commenced on the Sports Performance Hub (SPH), a monumental 92-acre campus poised to redefine South Dade’s landscape. The privately funded $280 million project, built on the site of the former Homestead Sports Complex, marks a generational investment aimed at creating a global capital for athletic training, academic excellence, and community growth, all without leveraging taxpayer funds.

The groundbreaking ceremony gathered a formidable coalition of international sports legends, entrepreneurs, and local officials, signaling the ambitious scope of the venture. The project is co-founded by a roster of athletic and business titans, including Argentine soccer legend Juan Sebastián Verón, NBA Hall of Famer Manu Ginóbili, and Riccardo Silva, the majority owner of Miami FC and founder of Silva International Investments. They are joined by CEO Nick Sakiewicz, a veteran sports executive, and other notable figures from soccer, tennis, and the NFL.

A New Economic Engine for South Dade

The Sports Performance Hub represents far more than a collection of fields and buildings; it is a meticulously planned economic catalyst for Homestead and the surrounding region. The $280 million private investment, which excludes the estimated $60 million value of the land secured under an 80-year lease with the City of Homestead, is projected to generate over 4,300 construction jobs and between 600 and 610 permanent positions once fully operational.

Local officials have lauded the project as a transformative force. The Homestead City Council unanimously approved the long-term lease, viewing the development as a visionary public-private partnership that activates a key community asset. The structure of the deal ensures that the city benefits from significant infrastructure development and community programming without direct financial outlay from taxpayers.

“This project is about more than facilities or investment; it’s about people and possibility,” said Nick Sakiewicz, CEO of Sports Performance Hub. “With this privately funded $280 million commitment, we’re creating a place where young athletes can dream bigger, families can see real opportunity close to home, and the Homestead community can thrive alongside them. By bringing together 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 come.”

While city officials have been overwhelmingly supportive, the project's land acquisition did face some scrutiny at the county level. In November, some Miami-Dade commissioners raised concerns about the speed of a separate no-bid lease deal for a smaller, 20-acre parcel of county land, citing a desire for more extensive community input. However, the project ultimately secured the necessary approvals to move forward, with its backers emphasizing a commitment to social impact and community integration.

Forging the Next Generation of Global Talent

At its core, SPH is designed to be an elite incubator for the world’s next great athletes and scholars. The campus master plan is a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates every facet of athlete development. This includes specialized academies for soccer, tennis, basketball, baseball, and American football, each led by expert coaches.

A key component is a world-class boarding school designed to house nearly 600 student-athletes in a preparatory environment that balances academic rigor with high-performance training. This model positions SPH to compete with established institutions like IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. However, SPH aims to differentiate itself by creating a direct and tangible pathway to professional sports. The hub’s 60% majority ownership of Miami FC, the city's longest-standing professional soccer club, provides a clear pipeline for academy prospects to advance to the professional ranks without leaving the ecosystem.

Beyond the fields, the campus will feature a specialized health services and wellness center offering advanced sports medicine, surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. This holistic approach is rounded out by a five-star sports-themed hotel and inclusive public spaces, including a children's park and other recreational facilities for the broader Homestead community.

The All-Star Visionaries Behind the Hub

The credibility and global ambition of the Sports Performance Hub are anchored by its founders. The project is the brainchild of a consortium that blends athletic greatness with sharp business acumen. Riccardo Silva, through his London-based firm Silva International Investments, brings a portfolio that spans media, sports, and real estate, including his ownership of Miami FC. His involvement underscores a deep strategic commitment to developing Miami into a global epicenter for sports.

The athletic star power is equally impressive. Juan Sebastián Verón, a revered figure in Argentinian soccer and president of the Estudiantes de La Plata club, brings invaluable experience in player development and club management. NBA champion and Olympic gold medalist Manu Ginóbili contributes a legacy of teamwork and discipline that he hopes to instill in future generations. They are joined by fellow athletes-turned-entrepreneurs like former NBA player Pepe Sanchez, tennis pros Juan “Pico” Mónaco and Mariano Zabaleta, and NFL veteran Martin Gramatica.

This fusion of talent from North and South America is intentional, positioning SPH as a strategic bridge between the continents. The founders envision the hub not just as a U.S. institution, but as a premier destination for talent from Latin America, strengthening Miami’s cultural and economic ties throughout the hemisphere.

A New Home and Future for Miami FC

The Sports Performance Hub will also usher in a new era for Miami FC. The club, which currently plays at FIU Stadium, will relocate to a premier 10,000-seat stadium on the SPH campus. The modern venue, designed by LaBella Associates and expandable to 15,000 seats, will also host events like the Homestead Championship Rodeo and other regional entertainment.

This move is a significant step forward for the club and aligns with a broader trend in the USL Championship, where teams are increasingly investing in dedicated, purpose-built stadiums to enhance the fan and player experience. The integration with the SPH academy is expected to provide a sustainable talent pipeline, strengthening the club's competitive future and deepening its community roots.

To mark the occasion, Miami FC also announced a landmark partnership with Avianca, establishing the Colombian airline as the team’s main kit sponsor and exclusive carrier, further cementing the project's international connections. Development of the sprawling campus will proceed in two phases. Phase 1, focusing on the core non-residential academies and training infrastructure, is slated for completion in 2026. Phase 2, which includes the stadium, student housing, and hotel, is scheduled to be finished in 2027, fully realizing the vision for this transformative South Dade project.