Republic FC and New Owners Wilton Rancheria Announce Railyards Stadium Deal
After years of planning, Sacramento Republic FC and the office of Mayor Darrell Steinberg have revealed an ambitious new project: a state-of-the-art soccer stadium and entertainment district in Sacramento’s downtown Railyards, expected to open in 2027. This long-awaited development coincides with a shift in the team’s ownership, with Wilton Rancheria, a local Native American tribe, stepping in as the new majority owner.
At a news conference at City Hall, Republic FC and Mayor Steinberg announced the $175 million, 12,000-seat stadium, which will be financed by Wilton Rancheria, the tribe that also owns Sky River Casino in Elk Grove. Adding $42 million in infrastructure costs, the project’s total investment reaches $217 million.
“This is the single biggest boost to our downtown since we saved the Kings and built the Golden 1 Center,” Steinberg said, recalling the city’s 2013 success in keeping the Sacramento Kings from relocating and the 2016 opening of the Golden 1 Center, a transformative project for Sacramento’s downtown.
A Historic Investment by Wilton Rancheria
With this deal, Wilton Rancheria becomes the first North American tribe to hold a majority stake in a professional men’s sports team. Republic FC Chairman Kevin Nagle, who will stay on as a managing partner, praised the tribe’s commitment to the city and the club’s future. “As we’ve formed this new partnership, it has been very clear that the future of the city, the club, and the community that comprises Wilton Rancheria are immense sources of pride and passion — with a relentless pursuit to protect and grow,” Nagle stated.
Building a Vision for the Future
Designed with growth in mind, the new stadium will initially seat 12,000 fans but is engineered to expand to over 20,000 seats to meet MLS standards. The structure will also include key features like a shaded overhang for the grandstands. The stadium will serve as a multi-use venue for concerts, community events, and other sports, making it a major destination in Sacramento.
Steps Toward Approval
The Sacramento City Council will review the formal term sheet for the project next week. Nagle expressed optimism, saying, “Together, we’ve created a path to building a stadium downtown, and we can take a massive step next week.”
Overcoming Obstacles
The journey to this point has had its challenges, particularly with securing land and investment. The city and Wilton Rancheria have been in discussions for over a year, addressing issues that stalled the project since 2022.
This new stadium and entertainment district hold the promise of a revitalized downtown Sacramento. The backing of Wilton Rancheria, combined with Republic FC’s vision, aims to establish a vibrant hub for sports, entertainment, and community events by 2027.