Sacramento Republic FC’s lead investor Ron Berkeley has pulled out of the plan to acquire the MLS franchise due to the coronovirus epidemic, putting the league’s Northern California expansion agenda in doubt.
MLS said on Friday night that it would continue to evaluate its options in the fertile market. Sacramento was originally slated to start playing in 2022 after being awarded a spot in the US top flight, a date that was pushed back before the COVID-19 crisis.
The Sacramento Bee has reported that “although Berkeley signed a preliminary agreement with MLS in 2019, the two sides never formally came to a long agreement.”
What did MLS announce about Sacramento Republic FC?
“Earlier today, Ron Berkeley informed the league that based on project issues related to COVID-19, they have decided not to proceed with the acquisition of an MLS expansion team in Sacramento,” MLS wrote Statement On its website
“After working for years to bring an MLS team to Sacramento, the league believes it can be a great MLS market. In the coming days, the league will work with Mayor Darrell Steinberg to evaluate the next steps for the MLS in Sacramento. “
MLS Commissioner Don Garber extended an additional note for the franchise.
“I want to thank [Sacramento mayor Darrell] Starkberg for his continued efforts to bring MLS to Sacramento, ”Garber said. “His commitment to the city and to his passionate football fans should make all citizens of Sacramento feel proud.
“There has never been more interest in Major League Soccer as a club owner. And we remain incredibly optimistic about finalizing expansion plans for our 30th team. “
What comes next for the city?
The city of Sacramento needs new investment sources to bolster its hopes of hosting an MLS side, but the financial challenges of the epidemic can stall cash flow.
A “very disappointed” Steinberg, the mayor of the California capital, destroyed Birkle as disinterested to the community, but maintained the expectation of a positive outcome.
“We will still bring MLS to Sacramento, and we will work with the league to find a new lead investor,” Steinberg told The Bee. “We are not starting from scratch in any way. We have an approved stadium plan and an approved plan for the construction and payment of infrastructure. We also have the best fan base in the country – one that has shown time and time again that it can support an MLS team.
“We have only begun to fight to be worthy of our city.”
This is a developing story that will be updated.
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