Forward Madison

The rivalry that matters most to Forward Madison FC runs east, to Virginia.

Conor Caloia co-founded the club and serves as chief operating officer; the ownership group is led by Big Top Events president Vern Stenman alongside Caloia. Wilt left in October 2019, a year after taking the job, for a role with USL leadership.

Forward Madison was one of four founding members of USL League One and entered the third-tier competition in 2019. Madison put $1.3 million into Breese Stevens Field ahead of that debut season, raising capacity from 3,740 to 5,000. The nickname, Flamingos, and the pink trim on the kit trace to the bird on the city crest; the sky blue base comes from Madison's own flag, worn as a sash across the front of the shirt.

The club has never won a trophy.