ONSL Announces New Franchise Relocation to Siler City, NC; New Downtown Ballpark to Open May 2026

by Alec Allred

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Old North State League Announces New Franchise Relocation to Siler City, NC; New Downtown Ballpark to Open May 2026

SILER CITY, N.C. — The Old North State League (ONSL), one of the nation’s premier collegiate summer baseball leagues, is proud to announce the relocation of an ONSL franchise to Siler City, North Carolina. The team will be owned and operated by Chatham County Baseball LLC, which will partner with the Town of Siler City to construct a brand-new downtown ballpark on the historic site of the former American Legion field.

The new facility—opening for the team’s inaugural 2026 season—will feature a concrete grandstand, a beer garden, dedicated space for food trucks, new dugouts, a modern press box, upgraded infield and playing surface, and expanded fan amenities designed to create a vibrant and family-friendly baseball experience in the heart of Siler City.

This move marks the return of organized summer wood-bat baseball to Siler City, where generations of local players once competed for the Siler City Millers. The new ONSL franchise is expected to re-energize that tradition and serve as a catalyst for downtown growth, community engagement, and sports tourism.

At its November 17, 2025 meeting, the Siler City Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a proposal to allow the new franchise to lease and use the Paul Braxton sports fields and committed funding toward field upgrades. The authorization also empowered Town Manager Jack Meadows to negotiate long-term lease terms—an important milestone in bringing summer collegiate baseball back to the community.

Assistant Town Manager Kimberly Pickard noted that discussions with the ownership group began in late summer and quickly aligned with the Town’s strategic goals.

“We knew this was an excellent opportunity for Siler City, and with the team's presence, we would see a positive effect on our local economy,” Pickard said. “We drew on our current strategic plan of promoting economic vitality and built on that concept from start to finish. I believe in this project and the positive impact it will have on our Downtown area. This partnership could not have come at a better time, as we have just become a Main Street Community.”

Mayor Donald Matthews, speaking on behalf of the Board, offered full support for the partnership and emphasized the positive ripple effects the franchise will bring.

“The presence of the Siler City Baseball Team will stimulate local businesses, particularly during baseball season,” Matthews said. “Local businesses will benefit from the influx of spectators, families, and fans, creating a positive economic ripple effect throughout the Town.”

With plans for 20 home games each season, the franchise is expected to bring hundreds of visitors to Downtown Siler City on game nights—supporting restaurants, retailers, lodging providers, and small businesses while creating a new summer-long destination for residents and visitors alike.

Name-the-Team Contest Now Underway

To celebrate the launch of the franchise, the Old North State League and Chatham County Baseball LLC are inviting the public to participate in a Name the Team Contest, now open on Facebook at @ChathamONSL.

  • Round 1: Name Submissions
    Now through December 14 at 11:59 PM

  • Round 2: Fan Voting
    December 15 through December 21 at 11:59 PM

The official team name will be announced on
📅 January 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM
📍 Live on all team social media platforms.

A New Era of Baseball in Siler City

The arrival of an ONSL franchise represents a major step forward in Siler City’s downtown revitalization strategy while honoring the community’s longstanding baseball heritage. Construction on the new downtown ballpark will begin immediately, with the first season set to open in May 2026.

The Old North State League looks forward to becoming a cornerstone of Siler City’s summer entertainment landscape, delivering high-level collegiate baseball and memorable experiences for fans of all ages.