San Francisco Approves $10M Deal to Bring Pro Soccer Back to Kezar Stadium

Professional men’s soccer is set to return to San Francisco. As reported by The San Francisco Chronicle, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a 15-year deal allowing Golden City FC to play at Kezar Stadium, backed by a $10 million investment to renovate the historic venue.

The agreement, co-sponsored by Mayor Daniel Lurie and Supervisors Bilal Mahmood and Myrna Melgar, includes upgrades such as a natural grass pitch, improved seating, and greater accessibility. The permit may be extended for up to 30 years.

While city officials celebrated the announcement, grassroots advocates voiced concern. San Francisco City FC, a community-owned club that has used Kezar for over 20 years, fears displacement and loss of sponsorship opportunities. “There’s precedent of MLS teams displacing smaller clubs,” said SF City FC spokesperson Ian Blackley.

Golden City FC was founded by Bay Area finance professionals Geoff Oltmans and Marc Rohrer, both with youth soccer ties. They argue the team’s MLS Next Pro affiliation provides long-term stability, unlike the short-lived San Francisco Deltas, who drew large crowds in 2017 but folded within weeks.

City officials insisted that Kezar will remain open to public use, including traditional events like the Turkey Day Game and high school matches.

Golden City FC is expected to make its debut in 2026 or 2027, bringing pro soccer back to one of San Francisco’s most iconic sporting venues.