One of the biggest storylines, and most troubling, from Tuesday’s MLS expansion deadline was the omission of the Sacramento Republic FC name from the city’s bid.
Nothing has been confirmed in regards to an independent Sacramento bid going forward without the Republic name, but the club made sure it is known the name must be a part of the expansion bid according to an agreement made during the bid preparation.
In a statement to the Sacramento Bee, managing partner and lead investor Kevin Nagle, who submitted the bid without the Republic’s authorization, said his”preference would be to keep the Republic name”.
“We are just as surprised as our fans to hear that various news outlets are reporting that a bid was submitted to MLS for Sacramento which does not reference Sacramento Republic FC,” the club statement said. “If these reports are true, this is deeply troubling to us. This journey has always been an endeavor to elevate your team, Sacramento Republic FC, to MLS.
“If the bid submitted yesterday by Mr. Nagle did not include Sacramento Republic FC, it was in violation of our agreements and without our authorization; and we will take this up with the appropriate parties immediately.”
Another report from ESPN stated the two sides are looking to merge into one bid committee with the Republic name at the forefront, but money is the difference at the moment.