California tribe makes history as first to own men's pro sports team

Wilton Rancheria has acquired majority ownership of Sacramento Republic FC, reportedly becoming the first Native American tribe to hold a controlling stake in a men's professional sports team.

The federally recognized tribe in California will partner with Republic FC Chairman and CEO Kevin Nagle, who will remain an owner and serve as managing partner for the joint venture, according to a statement from the soccer club.

"Wilton Rancheria is proud to be the first Tribal Nation to hold majority ownership of a men's professional sports team, an industry where ownership has not traditionally reflected the diversity of its fans or surrounding communities," Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango, Jr. said in a statement. 

The historic acquisition represents a significant expansion of tribal involvement in professional sports ownership. Previously, the Mohegan Tribe became the first Native American tribe to own a professional sports franchise when it purchased the WNBA's Connecticut Sun in 2003. In California, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation are co-owners of the San Diego Football Club. As well, a Cleveland-based private equity firm backed by Native American capital is making waves in pro sports ownership, starting with a recent $154 million investment in English Premier League club Ipswich Town FC. 

 The Wilton Rancheria deal comes as Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg introduced a proposal to accelerate development of a soccer-specific stadium in The Railyards area. The proposed agreement between the city, Republic FC, and Downtown Railyard Ventures would allow the club to purchase the stadium land. The city council will vote on the term sheet Nov. 12.

The stadium project will anchor a 31-acre development that will expand downtown Sacramento. The site is located on Wilton Rancheria's ancestral lands, which the tribe has stewarded since time immemorial.

The partnership builds on Wilton Rancheria's expanding business portfolio. The tribe opened Sky River Casino in Elk Grove in 2022, creating 1,600 permanent jobs. Plans are underway to add a hotel, spa, outdoor pool and event space to the property.

Wilton Rancheria, the only federally recognized tribe in Sacramento County, has grown significantly since having its federal status restored in 2009. The tribe has placed more than 100 acres of ancestral land into trust and developed partnerships focused on local economic development, health care and education.

Republic FC, founded in 2013, competes in the USL Championship league. The team made history in 2022 by reaching the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final, becoming the first second-division team in nearly 20 years to achieve that milestone. The club previously partnered with Sky River Casino to enhance guest experience at Heart Health Park and offer casino guests exclusive entertainment perks.

The Sky River Casino and Republic FC will continue their existing partnership to enhance guest experiences at Heart Health Park while offering casino guests exclusive entertainment benefits with the soccer club.