Lurie signs legislation to bring pro soccer back to Kezar, despite pushback

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie signed legislation on Wednesday to bring a new professional soccer team to Kezar Stadium, despite pushback from an amateur team that already calls the venue home. The new team, Golden City Football Club (GCFC) is part of Major League Soccer’s MLS NEXT Pro development league.

The league, which was launched in 2022, is comprised of 27 reserve teams for existing MLS franchises and two existing independent teams. GCFC will be the league’s third independent team.

“Today it’s official: Golden City FC will become the newest professional team to call our city home,” said Mayor Lurie. “Kezar Stadium sits in the heart of San Francisco — built in Golden Gate Park and surrounded by our city’s neighborhood and history. This investment is truly an investment in the people of San Francisco and represents a new ear for San Francisco sports. Thank you to GCFC and MLS NEXT Pro for believing in this city and bringing this vision to life.”

Lurie’s greenlighting of the team moving in at Kezar comes amid pushback from local semiprofessional and amateur teams, some of which already play home matches at Kezar. San Francisco City FC, a volunteer-run community club, has been playing home matches at Kezar for more than 20 years.

The club, which competes in United Soccer League League Two, has a loyal fan base and its matches are well-attended

“There is a precedent of MLS clubs dropping out of nowhere and killing smaller clubs with a fan base,” said Ian Blackley, the team’s creative director and spokesperson, speaking to the San Francisco Chronicle last month.

Kezar has also had something of a checkered run with pro soccer in the past. The last time a professional club pitched up at the venue was in 2017 when the San Francisco Deltas of the North Americal Soccer League (NASL) made Kezar its home ground. The Deltas enjoyed one successful season at Kezar, winning the NASL Championship that year.

However, the Deltas folded just weeks later when the entire NASL collapsed financially.

GCFC has committed to invest a minimum of $10 million in capital improvements to Kezar, including a new natural grass field with modern irrigation, new seating and bleachers, sound system, a high-def LED scoreboard, ADA accessibility upgrades, a revamped press box, and upgraded concessions areas.

“We’re excited to work with Golden City Football Club on their plan to bring an independent team to a world-class city like San Francisco,” said Charles Altchek, President of MLS NEXT Pro and Executive Vice President of MLS. “San Francisco’s vibrant culture, rich sports history, and enthusiastic fan base make it an ideal home for an independent club.”

GCFC, which has been granted a 15-year permit to use the stadium, is due to join MLS NEXT Pro and begin playing matches at Kezar in 2026 or 2027.