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In a landmark decision, Homestead Mayor Steve Losner and the Homestead City Council have unanimously approved an 80-year lease agreement for the Sports Performance Hub (SPH) of Miami-Dade, marking the beginning of a transformative new era for South Dade. The Sports Performance Hub is a groundbreaking destination that merges elite sports, education, wellness, and inclusive community infrastructure into a single, state-of-the-art campus. Unlike traditional stadium projects, SPH will encompass a professional training academy, youth boarding school, public sports and recreation facilities, a sports-themed hotel, and a 10,000-seat multi-purpose stadium — all at no cost to the City. The venue will serve as home to professional sports teams, the historic Homestead Championship Rodeo, and diverse community programming, establishing itself as a vital engine of economic growth and social impact.
Darío Sala, Co-Founder of SPH, shared: “We are deeply grateful for the leadership of Mayor Losner and the City Council in supporting this bold vision for Homestead. SPH is not just a facility; it’s a movement for community transformation, athletic excellence, and social inclusion. We’re honored to lead this initiative and excited to begin this historic journey.”
Homestead Mayor Steve Losner expressed: “We are excited to embrace a vision for Homestead that puts forward a strong public private partnership that activates an area for our community that delivers new opportunities. Sports continues to be a strong economic driver and equally a unifier for neighborhoods, and the plan presented by the Sports Performance Hub offers new programming for Homestead residents to access and enjoy. I look forward to our continued work together to bring this impressive vision to life.”
A Founding Coalition Unlike Any Other
SPH is driven by a world-class team of Co-Founders who bring together exceptional backgrounds in professional sports, global entrepreneurship, and corporate innovation. United by a shared mission, this diverse group has laid the foundation for what aims to become the most advanced and inclusive sports ecosystem in the United States.
The Co-Founders of SPH include:
- Juan Sebastián Verón – International football icon and transformative leader in youth development and club management.
- Darío Sala – Former professional goalkeeper and sports entrepreneur with a long-standing commitment to athlete development.
- Juan Ignacio “Pepe” Sánchez – Former NBA and Euroleague player and visionary behind high-performance basketball academies.
- Manu Ginóbili – NBA Hall of Famer and Olympic gold medalist; global advocate for excellence in youth training and education.
- Juan “Pico” Mónaco & Mariano Zabaleta – Former ATP top-ranked players; leaders in the advancement of tennis training ecosystems.
- Emiliano Fernández Balague – Serial tech and sports entrepreneur; investor in innovation-driven ventures across the Americas.
- Gastón Remy – Founder and former CEO of publicly traded companies; champion of high-impact entrepreneurship.
- Riccardo Silva – International media and sports business leader; founder of Silva International and Miami FC.
Juan Sebastián Verón, Co-Founder, stated: “Our commitment to the people of Homestead is solid and long-term. Together, this team of elite athletes and experienced entrepreneurs has created a self-sustaining, privately funded model that prioritizes youth, education, and inclusive community growth — without relying on public funds.”
Juan Mónaco, Co-Founder, added: “SPH is built with the mindset of champions — perseverance, vision, and teamwork. We are creating a place where future athletes can grow across soccer, football, flag football, basketball, and tennis, and where the community thrives alongside them.”
A Global Vision, Rooted in South Dade
The Sports Performance Hub sets a new standard for public-private partnerships. Designed to serve athletes, students, families, and local residents, SPH will provide year-round access to training, education, recreation, and employment opportunities. It is expected to become a destination for both local and international talent, while delivering long-term economic benefits to Homestead and the broader South Florida region.
Gastón Remy, Co-Founder, emphasized: “This is a project rooted in purpose. We are combining global entrepreneurship with social impact, and bringing world-class infrastructure to a deserving community.”
Riccardo Silva, Co-Founder, concluded: “From club ownership to global partnerships, I’ve seen how the sports industry can drive transformation. SPH is a new model — and Homestead will be at the center of it.”
About Sports Performance Hub (SPH)
The Sports Performance Hub of Miami-Dade, based in Homestead, Florida, is a pioneering initiative created by a collective of global athletes and entrepreneurs. SPH blends elite sports academies with education, wellness, hospitality, and community programming, designed to uplift the region through job creation, economic impact, and youth development. Together, the SPH Co-Founders have shaped a platform that connects sports, business, education, and community — making South Dade a model for innovation and inclusion in the global sports economy.
