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Sacramento's USL Pro Expansion Team Aiming For Jump To MLS In '16

While USL Pro expansion club Sacramento Republic FC "won't take the field until next spring," its promoters are "already shooting for an ambitious goal: landing a franchise" in MLS in '16, according to Ryan Lillis of the SACRAMENTO BEE. The team has "launched a campaign to convince MLS that Sacramento would be a first-rate market for the league, while at the same time courting fans with catchy theme songs and the promise of high-level talent." Club President & Founder Warren Smith said, "The best time to get a team is when a league is growing, and MLS is in a high-growth mode right now." MLS Commissioner Don Garber has said that he wants the league to expand to 24 teams by '20, and five of the past seven teams to join MLS "made the leap directly from USL Pro, catapulted by strong attendance figures." If SRFC "averages 6,750 fans a game -- Smith's goal -- it will likely rank among the top two in the league next season." Nearly 2,500 fans "have purchased season tickets," while the team is "already approaching its original goal for season tickets and has set a new target of 5,000 sold before the season begins." Still, there is the "looming question of whether the city -- and Smith -- can assemble the finances required to get into MLS," and the "first hurdle is a stadium." However, Smith said that he has "local supporters who are backing the franchise financially and that he has begun 'talking to MLS-type investors.'" MLS Exec VP/Communications Dan Courtemanche said that the league is "aware of the interest being expressed by many cities that want expansion teams -- including Sacramento" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 11/28).

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