By Sam Stejskal, Paul Tenorio and Jeff Rueter, with additional reports from Meg Linehan
MLS announced Friday that Ron Burkle will not move forward with an expansion team in Sacramento, questioning the city’s hopes of landing a place in the league.
Burkle also participated in Sacramento’s NWSL candidacy. Athletic reported in August 2020 that the city would receive an expansion team, news that was confirmed by NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird at a press conference in January. It’s still unclear how Burkle’s withdrawal will affect Sacramento’s efforts in the NWSL, but the first impression from sources is that the team’s goal of joining the league in 2022 will not be reduced.
A group of homeowners led by Burkle received an MLS expansion team in Sacramento in October 2019.