Could Republic FC Join the New USL Division One?
A Deep Dive into the Possibilities and Challenges
The United Soccer League (USL) recently announced plans to launch a new men’s professional league in 2027-28 that will operate at the highest level of soccer in the United States—on par with Major League Soccer (MLS). With the USL Championship currently serving as the second tier of U.S. soccer, this new league represents a significant step forward for independent clubs looking to reach the top level without joining MLS.
For Sacramento Republic FC, this announcement opens up a major opportunity. The club has long been a powerhouse in the USL Championship, consistently drawing some of the league’s highest attendance numbers. With new ownership under Wilton Rancheria, a planned stadium in The Railyards, and a passionate fan base, Sacramento seems to check all the boxes for a team that could move up. Does Republic FC meet the official Division One requirements? And is this Sacramento’s last chance to secure a top-tier professional soccer team?
Does Sacramento Meet the USL Division One Criteria?
The U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) sets strict standards for any league that wants Division One status, ensuring that clubs have the financial stability and infrastructure to compete at the highest level. Here are the key criteria that must be met:
• A minimum of 12 teams (The USL Division One league is expected to launch with 12 to 14 clubs).
• Stadiums with at least 15,000 seats (Sacramento’s planned stadium at The Railyards is being designed for 12,000 to 15,000 seats, with the ability to expand beyond that).
• At least 75% of teams must be in metro areas with 1 million+ people (Sacramento’s metro population is over 2.4 million).
• Proven financial viability (Wilton Rancheria’s new majority ownership adds significant financial backing).
Sacramento meets almost all of these requirements already. The only potential hurdle is ensuring the stadium reaches the 15,000-seat minimum, but the club has designed the project with flexibility to expand beyond this benchmark if needed.
A City That Fills Stadiums: Republic FC’s Attendance History
One of the biggest arguments in favor of Sacramento as a Division One soccer city is its long track record of strong attendance numbers.
Republic FC has consistently sold out Heart Health Park, which has a capacity of 11,569 seats, and this demand has remained steady for years. Back in 2014, when the club played its first season at Hughes Stadium, crowds of more than 20,000 fans filled the venue on multiple occasions, proving early on that Sacramento had the potential to support top-tier soccer.
Even after the collapse of the MLS expansion bid, Republic FC’s fan base has remained engaged and committed. Unlike other markets, where interest fades after missing out on MLS, Sacramento supporters have never wavered. The passion for the club is deeply embedded in the community, a key factor in making the city a strong candidate for USL Division One.
New Ownership: Wilton Rancheria Brings Financial Stability
One of the most significant developments for Republic FC’s future is Wilton Rancheria’s takeover of majority ownership from longtime club chairman Kevin Nagle, who remains a managing partner.
This move is historic, as Wilton Rancheria becomes the first North American tribe to be the majority owner of a men’s professional sports team. The tribe, which successfully opened Sky River Casino in 2022 in partnership with Boyd Gaming, has already demonstrated financial success and long-term investment strategies.
Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango, Jr. described the move as a way to “continue to build upon this monumental growth.” Their financial backing ensures that Republic FC has the resources and stability to compete at a higher level, meeting one of USL Division One’s key requirements.
With a successful casino operation and a stake in Republic FC’s long-term vision, Wilton Rancheria is committed to ensuring the club’s growth, making them the ideal owners to guide the club into this new era.
Sacramento’s Last Shot at Division One Soccer?
Republic FC was once poised to join MLS, with a formal expansion bid that had league approval. However, in 2021, investor Ron Burkle withdrew from the deal, and Sacramento’s MLS dream collapsed. Since then, MLS expansion has focused elsewhere, and no new investors have emerged to revive the bid.
With MLS no longer a realistic option, Sacramento’s best chance at Division One soccer is through the new USL Division One league. Unlike MLS, which operates as a closed system requiring hefty franchise fees, USL’s new top-tier league will allow Republic FC to earn its place based on merit and infrastructure.
For Sacramento, this may be the last viable opportunity to have a Division One team.
The Potential for Promotion & Relegation in USL
One of the biggest differences between USL and MLS is that USL has explored the idea of promotion and relegation—something unheard of in American soccer.
If the USL implements promotion and relegation, Sacramento could earn its way into Division One through performance, rather than relying on outside investors or boardroom decisions. This system, which is the standard in European leagues, could create a more competitive and dynamic league structure.
Though no official decision has been made, the USL has been publicly supportive of the idea. If it happens, Republic FC’s long-term success could be determined on the field rather than in corporate negotiations.
Final Thoughts: Should Republic FC Push for USL Division One?
Sacramento Republic FC has everything in place to compete at the highest level of American soccer. The club has built a passionate and committed fan base that regularly sells out matches, showing there is demand for top-tier soccer. Wilton Rancheria’s ownership provides financial stability, ensuring the club can compete at a higher level. The planned Railyards stadium, with a seating capacity of 12,000 to 15,000 and room to expand beyond that, meets the requirements set by U.S. Soccer.
Perhaps most importantly, Sacramento has a history of proving doubters wrong. When Republic FC first launched in 2014, few believed a USL club could generate the level of support it did. The success of that inaugural season set the foundation for what has become one of the most respected lower-division clubs in the country.
The question now is whether Sacramento will make the jump to USL Division One. With MLS no longer an option, this may be the city’s last and best chance to host a Division One soccer team. Republic FC has spent the past decade proving it belongs at the highest level. Now, the opportunity is there—Sacramento just needs to take it.