In this episode of Free Arkansas, host Andy McNeill sits down with Chris Martinovich, founder of Ozark United — a startup professional soccer club working to bring USL Championship-level play to Northwest Arkansas.

From economic impact to community pride, Chris lays out his vision for what a soccer team (and entertainment district around it) could mean for the region — and how it’s already attracting national attention and private investment. Along the way, Andy and Chris talk about:

⚽️ Why pro soccer makes sense for Arkansas — and why now

🏗️ Building a stadium + entertainment district from the ground up

💸 The business model of USL vs. Major League Soccer

🍻 Plans for pubs, shops, housing, and game-day buzz

🧠 The startup grind, investor stories, and “lucky breaks”

📆 When Ozark United could take the field (and how close they really are)

Whether you're a soccer die-hard or just curious about bold, local ventures, this conversation is a deep dive into what it takes to launch a pro sports franchise in a growing region — and what it could mean for the future of Arkansas.

🔗 Learn more: https://ozarkutd.com