Professional soccer could be headed to the North Bay
Apr 15, 2025
(KRON) -- The next professional sports team in the Bay Area could be bound for the North Bay. The City of Santa Rosa announced it has entered into exclusive negotiations with the United Soccer League (USL) to explore the possibilities of bringing both a men's team and a women's team to the city.
Th
e city said it is in discussions with USL to "evaluate the viability of supporting professional soccer teams and expanding community entertainment options."
"We are thrilled about the potential to bring both USL men's and women's teams to Santa Rosa," said USL Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Real Estate Office, Justin Papadakis. "Santa Rosa already has a strong soccer culture in place, and we feel the local community is ready for a club of their own."
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"We're always looking at ways to enhance quality of life for Santa Rosa residents and support a thriving local economy," said City Manager Maraskeshia Smith. "Partnering with the USL to explore bringing professional soccer to our city reflects our commitment to creating exciting new opportunities for recreation, community pride, and regional engagement."
A Santa Rosa men's soccer team would initially compete in either the USL Championship or USL League One, according to the city. Locally, the Bay Area is already home to one USL Championship team -- Oakland Roots SC, which currently sits rock-bottom in the Group West conference standings.
In the South Bay, the San Jose Earthquakes compete in the more-established Major League Soccer league.
A Santa Rosa USL women's team would begin play in the USL Super League or USL W League, the city said. Competition levels for each team would be determined based on factors like capitalization, ownership and corporate structure, strength of ownership group, and size and scale of the stadium.
The City of Santa Rosa has entered into an initial 12-month negotiating period with USL, with the option to extend it a further six months if necessary. ...read more read less
