Top MLS execs who "completed an intense two-day evaluation on Friday of Sacramento as a potential expansion market proclaimed they were 'incredibly impressed' by the city’s effort and will continue exploring it as an option in the weeks ahead," according to Lillis & Kasler of the SACRAMENTO BEE. League President & Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott: "It’s tremendous, the progress that’s being made here." A decision on Sacramento’s bid to become the 24th MLS franchise "could come as early as December, when the league’s existing owners meet." Sacramento "is believed to be in a tight competition with Minneapolis for what could be the final expansion spot in MLS until at least" '20. Lillis & Kasler cited league observers as saying that the tour by Abbott "was considered more serious than visits league officials have made to other cities." A local contingent led by Mayor Kevin Johnson and the owners of the USL Pro club Sacramento Republic FC on Friday "briefed Abbott about plans for an ownership group capable of operating an MLS franchise and affording an expansion fee" of at least $70M. The team also "provided details on plans for a privately financed stadium in the railyard that could cost" more than $100M. 49ers President Paraag Marathe "was spotted among a group dining Thursday night with Republic FC investors and the MLS group." Envision Pharmaceutical co-Founder Kevin Nagle "would serve as the managing partner and lead investor if Republic FC’s expansion bid is granted." The team, which "is also led by team President Warren Smith, is assembling many other local investors." Meanwhile, Abbott also "visited Elk Grove on Friday for an update on that city’s rival bid to land an expansion franchise," but he "seemed to deal a blow to that effort" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 9/20).
