Mayor Steinberg gives update on MLS-to-Sacramento efforts

May 22, 2024, 11:26 AM

(Photo by Maciek Gudrymowicz/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

Thousands of fans packed Heart Health Park at Cal Expo in Sacramento on Tuesday to watch the Republic FC take down the MLS’ San Jose Earthquakes in thrilling fashion.

Shortly following the win, reports surfaced that Cal Expo was leaning towards passing on hosting Sacramento’s next U.S. Open Cup game due to State Fair preparations. Thankfully, that thought process was reversed on Wednesday morning due to team and public backlash.

The unwavering support for soccer in Sacramento was on full display this week, both in the electrifying match atmosphere and the united response to the conflict with Cal Expo. These events serve as a resounding testament to the city’s preparedness for Major League Soccer.

Of course, the city has been on the doorstep of Major League Soccer before. After securing an MLS bid in 2019, primary investor and billionaire Ron Burkle backed out of the deal in 2021 to invest in the NWSL expansion club San Diego Wave FC.

The fan support is there for Major League Soccer in Sacramento, but what about the money?

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg joined The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross on Wednesday to deliver updates on the city’s quest for Major League Soccer, peeled back the curtain on how the Republic FC-Cal Expo rift was resolved, and much more:

Topics Discussed

Mayor Steinberg says “a few phone calls were made” and that things were resolved very quickly between the Republic and Cal Expo
Sacramento’s next U.S. Open Cup match could come on July 9th or 10th
The Mayor says this is another example of why Sacramento is an MLS-ready city
“We are big league. No matter what, we’re going to support soccer big time in this city.”
Is the potential of Cal Expo being fully utilized?
The Mayor says the city of Sacramento “has done everything right” to bring MLS to the 916
“This saga can only end one way, and it will end with a stadium. I’m still confident. It might start out with a USL stadium and be expanded to MLS.”
Mayor Steinberg says the city is in discussions with investors that could come to fruition in the coming months
“We are in the midst of another intensive conversation with who we believe now is the right investor… I am committed before I leave office to get this done.”