Mayor Lurie Marks New Era For San Francisco Sports, Announces Plan For New Professional Soccer Team

SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Daniel Lurie today announced a plan in partnership with Golden City Football Club and the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department to launch a new professional soccer team in San Francisco.

Golden City Football Club (GCFC) plans to join MLS NEXT Pro, the professional league designed by Major League Soccer (MLS) to foster elite player development and expand the reach of the sport. The club will call Kezar Stadium its home, with the inaugural season set to kick off in 2026 or 2027.

Today's announcement represents a landmark public-private partnership between the new club and the city. As part of this partnership, GCFC will invest a minimum of $10 million in capital improvements at Kezar Stadium, with further investments planned. The upgrades represent the most significant enhancements to Kezar in decades and 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. 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,” said Mayor Lurie. “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.”

“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,” said Charles Altchek, President of MLS NEXT Pro and Executive Vice President of Major League Soccer. “The vision and commitment demonstrated by Geoff, Marc, and their team—especially their investment in Kezar Stadium—reflect the standards we seek in our clubs and partners. We look forward to creating an exceptional environment for players, fans, and the broader San Francisco community.”

“This partnership is a game-changer—not just for soccer, but for everyone who plays, runs, cheers, and gathers at this historic stadium,” said Phil Ginsburg, General Manager of San Francisco Recreation and Park. “It means San Francisco will have a world-class facility that serves both professional athletes, our school programs, and the everyday residents who have made Kezar a beloved community space for generations.”

"We are thrilled to bring professional soccer back to San Francisco,” said Geoff Oltmans and Marc Rohrer, Co-Founders of Golden City Football Club. “Launching Golden City Football Club isn't just about fielding a team; it’s about creating new opportunities for our community, families, and athletes to experience together the world’s most accessible and unifying sport. We’re especially honored to partner with Mayor Lurie and the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department to help revitalize the iconic Kezar Stadium, ensuring it remains a vibrant hub for recreation, resilience, and all San Franciscans for decades to come.”

“GCFC’s arrival at Kezar Stadium marks an important chapter in the ongoing stewardship of this iconic venue. Our members take pride in the skilled work involved in maintaining and renovating such a historic facility, ensuring it remains a vibrant hub for sports and community events,” said Vince Courtney, Special Assistant to the Northern California District Council of Laborers, a construction union that represents 30,000 workers from the Central Valley to the Oregon border. “We are committed to supporting the care and upgrades that will keep Kezar Stadium ready for both the excitement of the sport of soccer and its vital role in the neighborhood. This club represents not only a new team but a renewed passion for the sport that resonates deeply with our workforce.”

The new soccer team will bring increased foot traffic to nearby neighborhoods like Haight-Ashbury and the Inner Sunset on game days, benefiting local restaurants, retailers, and service providers.

"For decades, Kezar Pub has been a gathering place for fans of Bay Area sports—whether it’s football, rugby, soccer, or basketball—and we know firsthand how vital sports and tourism are for local businesses like ours. The energy and excitement that big games bring to the area not only support our business but also help our community thrive, said Cyril Hackett, Owner of the Kezar Pub. “We look forward to carrying on our tradition of hospitality and can’t wait to see GCFC fans fill the pub before and after matches.”

“The arrival of Golden City Football Club is a welcome development for our neighborhood and the city as a whole. After the immense challenges of the pandemic, small businesses like ours depend on both our loyal community and the steady stream of tourists and sports fans. The investment in Kezar Stadium will not only honor its storied past—something we celebrate every day at Alembic, where our bar is crafted from the original stadium benches—but also create new opportunities for everyone,” said Christin Evans, Owner of Alembic and The Booksmith. “We’re eager to see the positive momentum GCFC will generate and look forward to the energy, visitors, and vibrancy the team will bring to the neighborhood and beyond.”

Mayor Lurie will introduce a resolution at the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, May 13 to approve the long-term permit agreement. The legislation is co-sponsored by District 5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, and the full board is expected to consider the resolution in June. The partnership is a 15-year agreement with two five-year renewal options, ensuring a long-term commitment to the stadium’s upkeep. Before the Board takes up the resolution, the Recreation and Park Commission will independently review and consider whether to recommend approval at its meeting on May 15.

“As we prepare to host the World Cup in the Bay, we're thrilled to become the new home for GCFC here in District 5 and look forward to the energy, joy, and community this will foster in our neighborhood,” said Supervisor Mahmood. “The investment in Kezar is an investment in uplifting our communities—in our schools, local small businesses, and neighbors of all ages who will no doubt be the best fan base GCFC could hope for.”

Kezar Stadium has been integral to San Francisco's sporting and cultural landscape since its opening in 1925. Originally designed as the home of the San Francisco 49ers, the stadium has hosted a wide range of events, from professional football and track and field competitions to major concerts and political rallies. Today, it is home to local and youth sports leagues and events, including soccer matches, football games, and track events. The stadium is also used by the public for running and fitness.

Community and school access to the stadium will remain unchanged, preserving Kezar’s vital role as a home for local schools, youth leagues, and the neighborhood, including the traditional Turkey Day and Bruce Mahoney games as well as school track meets. Kezar will remain the home field for Mission and Sacred Heart Cathedral Football.

Improvements to Kezar stadium from GCFC’s investments will include a new natural grass field with modern irrigation, the first major upgrade to the field in more than a quarter century, new seats to replace all existing seats and bleachers, a state-of-the-art sound system, and a high-definition LED scoreboard. Additional upgrades include a refurbished press box, improved concession area, and ADA accessibility enhancements.

GCFC draws its name from San Francisco’s golden past and ambitious future, celebrating the city’s legacy from the Gold Rush to the Golden Gate Bridge. As San Francisco’s only professional men’s soccer team, GCFC embodies the city’s inclusive, resilient spirit and is dedicated to uniting and inspiring the community through soccer and world-class entertainment. The club is set to play its inaugural season at the historic Kezar Stadium in 2026 or 2027, honoring San Francisco’s rich sports history while creating new traditions for the next generation. For updates and more information, visit goldencityfootballclub.org.