Terms on the deal were undisclosed.

The investment is through Farner’s Ronin Capital Partners, and he’s joining the DCFC Holdings board of directors.

The deal helps fund AlumniFi Field, a planned 15,000-seat, soccer-specific stadium budgeted at $150 million. It's part of a broader $200 million mixed-use development that includes a 421-space parking garage and a 104-unit residential building with 76 affordable housing units, plus new public space off of Michigan Avenue and I-96 on the former Southwest Detroit Hospital site.

Ronin also has investments in the Student Athlete Score sports marketing intelligence platform, pickleball ratings system DUPR, TGL team golf, and Motor City Golf Club.

Says Farner in a statement:

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 (USL) 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 1 soccer player. We are confident this passion, investment and long-term commitment will help to further secure Detroit City FC’s future.

The stadium project won unanimous Detroit City Council approval after a community benefits process.

The club says construction is on track for the 2028 USL Championship season, with nearly 6,000 seat deposits already in, and more than 1,000 construction jobs and 140-plus permanent jobs projected once the development is built out.