Sacramento Kings part owner and Northern California businessman Kevin Nagle will lead Sacramento Republic FC and their push to become a Major League Soccer expansion franchise, the team announced Thursday.
If the USL PRO side is selected for MLS expansion, Nagle (above left) will become its largest owner.
“Early on, I admired Republic FC’s success and efforts to galvanize this region,” Nagle said in a statement. “Its bid for MLS is not only about sports, but also a shared vision for Sacramento. I am honored to work side-by-side with mayor Kevin Johnson (above, center) and Republic FC president Warren Smith to procure MLS for Sacramento and demonstrate why this region is built for MLS.”
A delegation including Nagle, Smith and Johnson met with MLS Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott during MLS All-Star week in Portland in early August. Sacramento Republic are in their first season in USL PRO and have made their intentions known about one day becoming MLS' next expansion franchise and the league's fourth team in California.
Nagle will immediately integrate into Republic’s front office and efforts to become an MLS franchise.
“Kevin’s leadership and investment in Republic FC positions us as one of the top ownership groups in the sport,” Smith said in a statement. “His success, credibility and financial wherewithal provide us the capability to succeed with our MLS bid. But what first endeared me to Kevin and what I love most is his passion for Sacramento.”
Nagle, co-founder of pharmaceutical benefits giant Envision RX, is also the largest local shareholder of the NBA's Kings. He led the club's efforts to keep the franchise in Sacramento in 2013.
“This is a big win for Republic FC and our efforts to secure an MLS franchise,” Mayor Johnson said in a statement. “Kevin’s success in business speaks for itself. But his love of this community – borne out by his heroics during the Kings fight, and now, his bold action on MLS, speak volumes to how much he believes in Sacramento and how ready he is to play to win.”
MLS officials are expected visit Sacramento later this month to evaluate the region’s viability for MLS expansion.
