USL Austin Aztex Likely Not Returning For '17 Season Without Viable Stadium Option

The USL Austin Aztex, which suspended play for '16, "likely won’t return" in '17, as their "long-term prospects grow dimmer," according to Kevin Lyttle of the AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN. Circuit of the Americas Chair and Aztex investor Bobby Epstein said, "There is no suitable stadium. Until there is, the Aztex won’t field a team." Lyttle notes Aztex officials "haven’t had any success finding help from a city, a developer or another partner to acquire land and build a 5,000-seat stadium" that would cost $5M or more to construct. Team Owner Rene van de Zande previously said that he "does not have the deep pockets to fund a stadium without significant financial help." A proposed USL alignment plan for '17 that leaked this week "showed a 30-team league absent Austin, although a league official said a firm decision about Austin’s future hadn’t been made." A source said that the club "has lost" more than $1M since November '14 when the Aztex "stepped up to the USL" (AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 7/29).