NESN sportscaster Tom Caron announced yesterday he joined Pro Portland Original, an ownership group aiming to bring a USL League One side to Portland, Maine. The group includes former Dartmouth and St. Louis FC defender Gabe Hoffman-Johnson as its president and founder, and real estate developer Jonathan Culley. The pair has been working since 2019 on the project.
Caron is a Lewiston native, and has held positions covering the region’s sports his entire career. He joined NESN in 1995, covering the Boston Bruins, Red Sox, Providence Bruins, Pawtucket Red Sox, as well as college basketball and hockey. Currently, he is the host of NESN’s pre- and post-game Red Sox shows.
In addition to a financial investment, Caron will likely bring valuable connections in the professional sports and broadcasting industries while the group finalizes financing and a stadium deal with the city of Portland. The group has not confirmed exact progress on any deal, with the last known site under consideration as Fitzpatrick Stadium.
With 12 clubs set to play in 2023, and two more joining in 2024, USL League One is primed for expansion. Beyond 2024, the league granted a group in Wilmington, NC exclusive rights for an expansion side there. The next step for Pro Portland Original would be to meet all USL League One franchise requirements, including full funding and a stadium plan.