Detroit City FC Holdings announced that Jay Farner, founder and CEO of Ronin Capital Partners, is making the largest single investment in the soccer club’s history through Ronin Sports & Entertainment Group. The financial terms of the investment were not disclosed.
The funding will support the construction of AlumniFi Field, advance a major mixed-use development connecting Detroit’s Corktown and Mexicantown neighborhoods, and help accelerate Detroit City FC’s broader growth strategy. As part of the transaction, Farner has joined the DCFC Holdings Board of Directors.
The investment comes as Detroit City FC moves forward with one of the most significant projects in its 14-year history. AlumniFi Field is planned as a $150 million, 15,000-seat, soccer-specific stadium that will serve as the club’s permanent home.
The stadium will anchor a broader $200 million mixed-use development that includes a 421-space parking garage and a 104-unit residential building. Of the planned residential units, 76 are expected to be designated as affordable housing.
Detroit City Council unanimously approved the project following a Community Benefits engagement process.
Construction remains on track for AlumniFi Field to open before the beginning of the 2028 USL Championship season. Nearly 6,000 seat deposits have already been secured, demonstrating strong demand from the club’s supporter base.
The wider development is expected to create more than 1,030 construction jobs and over 140 permanent full-time positions. Detroit City FC expects the project to establish a year-round destination for professional sports, entertainment and community programming.
Ronin said its experience in marketing, sponsorships and live events could help Detroit City FC expand its commercial operations and strengthen connections with supporters and corporate partners.
Farner has extensive experience building consumer brands and sports partnerships. He spent 27 years at Quicken Loans and Rocket Companies, eventually serving as CEO of Rocket Companies and leading the business through its 2020 initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange.
During his tenure, Farner helped launch Rocket Mortgage, which the company described as the first fully digital mortgage experience in the United States. He also oversaw several prominent sports and marketing initiatives, including the Quicken Loans Carrier Classic, the Billion Dollar Bracket Challenge and the Rocket Mortgage Classic PGA TOUR event.
Farner also helped develop partnerships involving NASCAR, Major League Baseball, the NBA and the NFL.
Ronin Capital Partners has built a portfolio spanning real estate, financial services, sports, hospitality, technology and startups. The firm provides flexible, long-term capital and strategic support to operators and businesses.
Its sports portfolio includes Detroit City FC, high school and college athlete marketing intelligence platform Student Athlete Score, pickleball ratings platform DUPR and TGL, the team golf league created by TMRW Sports.
Ronin is also an investor in Motor City Golf Club, supporting its men’s and women’s teams as they compete in TGL.
Detroit City FC was founded by five Detroit residents in 2012 and competes in the USL Championship. The organization operates men’s professional and women’s pre-professional teams, the Detroit City Fieldhouse indoor soccer facility and the City Clubhouse sports bar.
The club also operates DCFC City Youth, which serves more than 500 families, while thousands of additional players participate through five affiliated youth travel organizations.
KEY QUOTES:
“Detroit’s been a large part of my life for many decades, and I’m excited to support DCFC’s growth here in our hometown. What the founders, supporters and ownership group has built is extraordinary: a passionate supporter culture, a deep connection to the community and a bold vision for the club’s future. With the continued growth of the United Soccer League and an amazing permanent stadium on the horizon, Detroit City FC is uniquely positioned for success. We believe Ronin’s vast experience in marketing, sports sponsorships and live events will help strengthen the club even more. At Ronin, we have a passion for athletics and for soccer, with our COO, Nicole Vallianatos, being a former Division I soccer player. We are confident this passion, investment and long-term commitment will help to further secure Detroit City FC’s future.”
Jay Farner, Founder and CEO of Ronin Capital Partners
“As longtime residents of this neighborhood, we are profoundly grateful for the opportunity to bring this site back to life with a community-rooted stadium that will be the forever home for professional soccer in this region. Jay’s investment and belief in this project, and in Detroit, is exactly the kind of partnership that accelerates what we’re building. He understands this city, has built something lasting here, and we’re thrilled to have him at the table.”
Sean Mann, CEO of Detroit City FC
