Sacramento, CA – Today, Republic FC and Wilton Rancheria announced a landmark partnership, positioning the Tribal Nation as majority owners of Sacramento’s professional soccer team. Republic FC Chairman and CEO Kevin Nagle will remain an owner of the club and become the managing partner for the joint venture. The collaboration marks a historic first, as Wilton Rancheria becomes the first Native American Nation to hold majority ownership in men’s professional sports. Together, Republic FC and Wilton Rancheria aim to honor the history of the Sacramento Valley while building a future that celebrates a shared pride in the region.
“Wilton Rancheria is proud to be the first Tribal Nation to hold majority ownership of a men’s professional sports team, an industry where ownership has not traditionally reflected the diversity of its fans or surrounding communities,” said Wilton Rancheria Chairman, Jesus Tarango, Jr. “This milestone not only marks a significant step for Wilton Rancheria but also reinforces Sacramento’s dedication to inclusivity and opportunity. Wilton Rancheria has always been a part of Sacramento’s history, but this partnership marks a new chapter for us, with an opportunity to help write its future.”
“It is an honor to welcome the citizens of Wilton Rancheria to join Republic FC,” said Club Managing Partner and Owner Kevin Nagle. “As we form this new partnership, it has been very clear that the future of the city, the club, and the community that includes the citizens of Wilton Rancheria are immense sources of pride and passion – with a relentless pursuit to protect and grow. Together, we’ve created a path to building a stadium downtown and we can take a massive step next week.”
As part of today’s announcement, Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg introduced a proposal aimed at speeding up the development of a soccer-specific stadium in The Railyards for the Republic FC. The proposal outlines a partnership between the City of Sacramento, Republic FC, and Downtown Railyard Ventures, the current property owners. If approved, the agreement will pave the way for Republic FC to purchase the land for the stadium. The vote on the proposed term sheet is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12.
“Our journey began eight years ago – today is a powerful testament to our commitment to creating a more vibrant and thriving Sacramento,” said Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “These developments represent more than just economic growth; it’s about building a better place for everyone, with enhanced opportunities for housing, entertainment, and commercial activity. I’m grateful to our partners and everyone who has been part of this transformative journey.”
Republic Stadium at The Railyards will anchor a 31-acre development that will nearly double the size of Downtown Sacramento, as well as create a new neighborhood to spark the next generation of economic transformation. The ancestors of Wilton Rancheria have been stewards of the Sacramento Valley region since time immemorial, including the land at the proposed stadium site. This partnership allows its citizens to continue to flourish on their ancestral lands and while building an enduring legacy for the Tribal Nation.
The Indomitable Club and Sky River Casino previously launched a partnership to enhance the guest experience at Heart Health Park and offer Sky River guests exclusive entertainment perks with Republic FC. The partnership builds on Wilton Rancheria’s success since opening Sky River Casino in 2022, which has become a premier entertainment, hospitality, and gaming destination. The casino has created an epicenter of excitement for Sacramento County residents and established 1,600 permanent jobs in Elk Grove. With announced expansion plans for a state-of-the-art hotel, luxurious spa, outdoor pool, and a cutting-edge event space, Sky River Resort will continue to drive economic growth and regional pride.
Fans interested in joining the club before the stadium begins to take shape can sign up for 2025 season ticket memberships. To learn more about membership benefits – including how to secure the best seats at the lowest price per match and be at the front of the line for Republic Stadium seats – visit SacRepbulicFC.com/memberships.
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About Sacramento Republic FC
Since its founding in 2013, Republic FC has been one of the USL Championship’s vanguard clubs. Not only did the organization win a championship in its inaugural season, the club has year-over-year set league-leading attendance, partnership, community, broadcast and ticketing milestones. In 2022, the Indomitable Club etched Sacramento into American soccer history by reaching the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final – the national championship for soccer. It was the first time in nearly two decades that a second-division side reached the final, in a tough new era where Republic FC defeated three MLS opponents including five-time U.S. Open Cup champion Sporting Kansas City, five-time MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy, and two-time MLS Cup champion San Jose Earthquakes.
About Wilton Rancheria
Wilton Rancheria is proud to be California’s Capital Tribe, as the only federally recognized tribe in Sacramento County. The Tribe’s federal status was restored in 2009, 45 years after wrongful termination by the federal government. In 2017, after 58 years as a landless tribe, the Tribe placed 36 acres of land in Elk Grove into federal trust – a significant step in ensuring economic stability for generations to come, both for Tribal Citizens and the surrounding communities. In just 7 years, Wilton Rancheria has placed over 100 acres of ancestral land into federal trust, created a home for entertainment in southern Sacramento County, and fostered new, innovative community partnerships leading to investments in the local economy, health care, education, entertainment, and more.
