Sacramento Republic FC have announced, after some speculation by us here at ICS that billionaire venture capitalist Ron Burkle will take controlling interest in the team.
In earlier back and forth statements from the league and club, it seemed the biggest hurdle for Republic to clear on their way to joining the big show has been lack of investment.
Previous owner/lead investor Kevin Nagle is a near pennyless $900 millionaire, and the Sacramento region’s only fortune 500 employer is Chando’s Tacos. The lack of obscene, Gatsby style wealth is no longer an issue for the club and hopefully for Don Garber and company.
Sacramento Republic's bid to MLS is one hundred percent privately funded, including a new soccer specific stadium downtown. In an era of dwindling city finances and unfunded pension liabilities that should be a huge deal for any responsible bid. With five years of successful play on the field, a passionate fanbase, and now a heap of cash behind them, the Republic is surely next in line for the 28th MLS franchise spot.
Or is it? As noted the process for joining MLS is completely opaque. There are no “boxes to check” despite what more optimistic folks might say. Expansion is decided upon by a group of owners and executives who’s motives and desires for the league essentially exist in a black box. Other than “make money” no one knows, and even that might not be high up the list?
Given the way this league operates, I would urge caution with your excitement. Until Don comes to the 916 and says that the Republic have announced former player and unofficial mayor of Sacramento Rodrigo Lopez as their first signing for the 2022 MLS season, I won’t believe it.
Comments
It's frustrating to me to see Republic Fc get passed over 3 or 4 times now.
I mean to see cities like cincinnati,nashville,miami,and now austin getting mls franchises.It seems to me the priority for mls is to have new teams in the midwest and southeast markets.The big market cities will always have an advantage over sacramento.But to me sacramento has shown it can support a pro team with great fan support look no further than the kings.In my mind i am not so sure these new teams can be fully fan supported on a consistent basis.Fc cincinnati probably won’t have that problem.But these other clubs will start out with great fan support when the going gets tough and the season is not going great can we truly say the fan support for these new clubs will still be there.Or will it be like some clubs who have been in mls for many years who barely have half the stadium filled regardless how the teams is doing.Mls should realize wth the republic fan base and the city of sacramento win or lose great season or terrible season the fan support will be there regardless.For me that should excite mls more than anything else to have a new team with great fanatical support that can give their league better exposure over time.
By Macktown State on 01.23.19 6:38am
2/4 of those cities will do fine (fan base wise).
MLS always seems to have an excuse every time sac is ready but if we ever get in, this will likely be our last push. What else can they possibly ask for from a team/city? Everything is in place. There are no more excuses to be made, they either want us or they don’t.
By omr_14 on 01.23.19 9:07pm
I really don't think Burkle would be jumping into this whole thing...
If he wasn’t damn certain Sacramento would be the next picked for MLS.
We will know soon enough… but I just don’t see any other option as attractive as Sacramento is with a guy who’s as proven in sports and entertainment management as Burkle at the helm.
St. Louis is about the only other team even remotely close to Sacramento for this… but They just aren’t as established in any way…
Sacramento is ready, and all criteria has been met. MLS, if you screw the pooch now, you’re dead to me 5ever
By Ratto's Rambles on 01.26.19 11:31pm
Keep the positive vibe going!
I was as upset with the expansion process as anybody. However, this is the best news we have had for a while and it corners MLS. If the clubs and Garber are true to their word, then there is no public reason for turning down Sacramento. We have great fans, a great city, and I’m seeing positive development with the club’s ownership. Hey, MLS, put your money where your mouth is-Burkle did
By RFCFan on 02.12.19 2:06pm