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Big Plans in Store for Carolina RailHawks

Carolina Railhawks game

Under owner Steve Malik, the Carolina RailHawks are expected to push several initiatives, including a rebranding, new stadium, and potential MLS entry. 

Malik, the founder of the medical software company Medfusion, purchased the RailHawks in 2015. A little more than a year later, he is apparently set to announce a new name for the team, along with several other plans. Malik is reportedly exploring not only the addition of a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club, but also a new stadium and a campaign for an expansion franchise in the MLS.

While the news will not be unveiled until Tuesday, WRALSportsFan reporter Neil Morris has published some details about what is expected to be revealed. More from WRAL TechWire:

Based on advance news he acquired, Morris tweeted out news on Friday that Malik will unveil a new name, a new women’s team, new branding and much more at a press conference on Tuesday. Apparently Malik has been talking about the moves for months.

The RailHawks have been hinting at big news for weeks with tweets themselves about Tuesday’s press conference.

According to Morris, Malik wants to get the RailHawks franchise into the big time as a franchise in Major League Soccer.

He also wants a National Women’s Soccer League team in the Triangle.

There have been signs that the RailHawks could be in store for major changes under Malik. Earlier this year, his interest in the NWSL was reported, along with the possibility of a name change and a concept for a new stadium in downtown Raleigh.

The RailHawks currently play at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC. Adding a franchise in the area to the MLS would give the league a presence in The Triangle, the region of North Carolina that also includes Raleigh and Durham.

Several other cities in the Southeast have been tied to MLS expansion talks, including Charlotte and Nashville. While it remains to be seen if Malik can add The Triangle to that mix, it is clear that he is lining up some big changes for the RailHawks.

Photo via flickr.com under Creative Commons license.

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