[ad_1]
Sacramento Republic FC lead investor Ron Burkle withdrew from plans to acquire an MLS franchise due to the coronavirus pandemic, casting doubt on the league’s expansion program in Northern California .
MLS said Friday night it would continue to assess its options in the fertile market. Sacramento was originally scheduled to start playing in 2022 after securing a place in the U.S. elite, a date that was pushed back earlier in the COVID-19 crisis.
The Sacramento Bee reported that “although Burkle signed a preliminary agreement in 2019 with MLS, the two parties never reached a formal, long-lasting agreement.”
What did MLS say about Sacramento Republic FC?
Earlier today, Ron Burkle informed the league that due to issues with the COVID-19 project, he has decided not to go ahead with acquiring an expansion team. MLS in Sacramento, “MLS wrote in a declaration on its website.
“After working for many years to bring an MLS team to Sacramento, the league continues to believe that this can be a great MLS market. In the coming days, the league will work with Mayor Darrell Steinberg to assess possible next steps for MLS in Sacramento. “
MLS commissioner Don Garber added an extra note to the franchise.
“I want to thank [Sacramento mayor Darrell] Steinberg for his continued efforts to bring MLS to Sacramento, ”Garber said. His commitment to the city and his performance for its avid football fans should make all citizens of Sacramento proud.
“Interest in owning a club in Major League Soccer has never been higher. And I remain incredibly optimistic that our 30th team’s expansion plans are finalized.”
What’s next for the city?
The city of Sacramento needs new sources of investment to save its hopes of hosting an MLS side, but the financial challenges of the pandemic could discourage an influx of cash.
A “very disappointed” Steinberg, the mayor of the Californian capital, criticized Burkle as disloyal to the community, but maintained the hope of a positive result.
“We will continue to 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 by any means. We have an approved stadium plan and an approved infrastructure construction and payment plan. We also have the best fan base in the country – a base that has shown time and time again that she could support an MLS team.
“We have only started to fight for what our city deserves.”
It’s a developing story that will be updated.
[ad_2]
