Union re-sign Ben Bender to contract through 2027

Ben Bender is returning to the Philadelphia Union after reaching a new contract that will keep the Baltimore native at the club through June 2027 with an option through June 2028.

Bender, who spent a season in the Union Academy during his youth career, joined the team last May after he was waived by Charlotte FC, which drafted him No. 1 out of the University of Maryland in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft. The 24-year-old made 8 appearances and logged 344 minutes in all competitions.

“Ben has been a positive addition and has made meaningful contributions since returning to the Union last May,” Philadelphia Union Head Coach Bradley Carnell said in a news release announcing the new contract on Wednesday. “When given opportunities, he’s consistently made the most of them, bringing a high level of competitiveness and a strong work ethic to the pitch every day. We’re confident in his continued development and future impact with the team.”

Bender is the second of four out-of-contract players who were negotiating potential new deals with the team ahead of the 2026 season.

George Marks, who also signed last season with the Union after a stint with Charlotte FC, was re-signed in December to a one-season deal with two club options. Alejandro Bedoya and Mikael Uhre were also negotiating a possible return but it’s still unclear whether either will return.