Golden City Football Club: San Francisco's Newest MLS Next Pro Team at Kezar Stadium
San Francisco is on the verge of welcoming a Major League Soccer-affiliated team to Kezar Stadium in Golden Gate Park. The city's Recreation and Park Department has received approval from the Board of Supervisors to finalize a contract with the owners of the newly established Golden City Football Club for stadium renovations worth at least $10 million and a lease spanning 15 years, with the option for three five-year extensions, potentially totaling 30 years.
The Golden City Football Club was founded this year by co-owners Marc Rohrer and Geoff Oltmans. The team will compete in the MLS Next Pro league, which serves as a developmental pathway to top MLS clubs. Kezar Stadium, originally built in 1925 and home to the San Francisco 49ers, will undergo renovations, including a new natural grass field, seating upgrades, and improved amenities to enhance the fan experience.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie expressed enthusiasm for the new team, highlighting the positive impact it will have on the community and the revitalization of Kezar Stadium. The club's owners, Oltmans and Rohrer, shared their excitement about bringing professional men's soccer back to San Francisco and making Kezar Stadium their home venue.
The club is set to begin play in the next two years, adding to the vibrant soccer scene in the Bay Area. Kezar Stadium already hosts the San Francisco City Football Club from the USL League 2, while the San Francisco Glens play on Treasure Island. The USL is also looking to expand to Santa Rosa, and the Oakland Roots compete in the league's top tier.
In related news, the San Jose Earthquakes owner, John Fisher, announced plans to sell the team, with the commercial rights of their MLS Next Pro affiliate, now known as The Town FC, already sold. Additionally, San Jose welcomed a new National Women's Soccer League team, Bay FC, in 2024, further enriching the soccer landscape in the region.
The arrival of the Golden City Football Club at Kezar Stadium marks a significant milestone for San Francisco sports, promising an exciting new era for soccer enthusiasts in the city and beyond.