The Golden City Football Club plans to join Major League Soccer’s expanding development league by 2027 and play its home games at Kezar Stadium, San Francisco mayor Daniel Lurie announced Friday.
GCGC would join MLS Next Pro, the third tier of professional men’s soccer in the United States in 2026 or 2027. It will give the Bay Area three men’s pro teams, joining the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) and the Oakland Roots, who play in the second-tier United Soccer League. Monterey Bay FC and Sacramento Republic FC also play in the USL.
According to a statement released by the Mayor’s office, GCFC will invest a minimum of $10 million in capital improvements at Kezar Stadium, the original home of the 49ers that turns 100 next May. The upgrades are designed to benefit all users, not just the team.
“This announcement is more than just a new team — it represents a new era for San Francisco sports,” Lurie said in the release. “The new GCFC team will bring new life to Kezar Stadium and the neighborhoods around it, and investments in the stadium will benefit the whole community.
“From business and retail to sports, it’s a good time to bet on San Francisco, and I’m thrilled to partner with MLS NEXT Pro to bring a new team to our city.”
MLS Next Pro debuted in 2022 as a MLS developmental league. Most of the players are between 17-25 years old and includes high school athletes. The league currently has 29 teams, and all but two are affiliated with MLS franchises.
“We are excited to work with GCFC on their plan to bring an independent team to San Francisco. Bringing professional soccer to this iconic city aligns with our mission to expand the reach of the game and foster a vibrant soccer culture in communities across North America,” Charles Altchek, President of MLS NEXT Pro and Executive Vice President of Major League Soccer, said in the release.
Planned improvements to Kezar Stadium include a new natural grass field with modern irrigation, new seats, a state-of-the-art sound system, and a high-definition LED scoreboard.
Originally Published: May 9, 2025 at 1:01 PM PDT
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