MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- 901 FC has transferred its USL Championship franchise rights to Santa Barbara, California, marking an end to professional soccer in Memphis, according to the United Soccer League. The reported transfer is effective immediately, which means the team will not play in 2025 but is expected to begin playing again in 2026 in Santa Barbara. Memphis 901 FC released the following statement, "We collectively share the disappointment of our supporters and the Memphis community as Memphis 901 FC's franchise rights transition to Santa Barbara, California. So many people have poured their hearts and souls into building its club, including soccer legend Tim Howard, and to everyone who helped build this organization, we will be forever grateful. It has been a tremendous honor to represent this incredible community." Reports say that the team's decision to transfer its rights is due to 901 FC not being able to find a "viable stadium solution." “After evaluating multiple potential stadium options, unfortunately, the path to finding a permanent home for Memphis 901 FC did not materialize,” said Justin Papadakis, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Real Estate Officer. “A stadium is the cornerstone of a club’s long-term stability and growth. The club will now play at UCSB’s Harder Stadium through a multi-year partnership with the University of California, Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara SKY FC is owned by Peter Moore who is the former Chief Executive Officer of Liverpool FC, Santa Barbara SKY FC founder, and a Santa Barbara resident. “This is an incredible moment for Santa Barbara and our soccer community,” Moore said. “Joining the USL Championship allows us to compete at the league’s highest level and bring professional soccer to an area with deep roots in the sport. Our partnership and investment with UCSB’s Harder stadium underscores the team’s stability, strengthens our ties to the community, and delivers a world-class experience for players and fans alike.”  Grizzlies dominate Portland to begin road trip The club had been playing its home games at AutoZone Park, which is also home to the Triple-A baseball team, the Memphis Redbirds. The hope was for the team to build a new stadium at the Fairgrounds with the help of the $350 million dollar funding provided by the state for stadium renovations. However, the money went to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium and the FedExForum. 901 FC's final game was on November 2 when they lost in the Western Conference quarterfinals to Orange County, capping off six seasons in the Bluff City.