JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Officials with the KSG Hank Aaron Sports Academy announced they’re suspending efforts to bring professional soccer to Mississippi through a partnership with the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA).

According to officials, the delay comes after the State of Mississippi’s request for the City of Jackson to relinquish its deed to Smith-Wills Stadium.

Tim Bennett, CEO of KSG, said he has been working with NISA officials since 2019 to bring a professional soccer club to Mississippi.

“This is unfortunate as I have enjoyed working with Haley Barbour (Former Governor 2004-2012) bringing the Braves MiLB, Phil Bryant (Former Governor 2012-2020) bringing the Brewers MiLB, and under the Governorship of Tate Reeves (Current Governor), we brought MLB’s Legacy Hank Aaron,” Bennett said. “I’ll now return to the terms of the NDA and work closely with NISA to see what our next moves should be based on the ongoing legal entanglements brought on by the state of Mississippi’s request for the city of Jackson to relinquish its deed to the 50-year-old former MiLB facility. We remain hopeful for 2026.”