Spokane officials choose the United Soccer League to bring men’s and women’s teams to the new downtown stadium
The path was cleared Tuesday morning for a United Soccer League team to play in Spokane.
By unanimous decision, the Spokane Public Facilities District Board instructed its employees to enter into negotiations with the USL, possibly with a view to setting up a League One franchise in spring 2023.
On the recommendation of a committee, the PFD board decided in favor of the USL proposal instead of an MLS-related team proposed by Brett Sports.
Both teams presented packages to a committee on Monday. The difference was the USL’s greater financial commitment and their promise to set up a professional women’s team in Spokane.
The USL proposal included investing $ 4 million in the stadium for modernization, with half of that money to be paid within 18 months of a lease.
The Brett Sports package included a base rent of $ 200,000 per year and 7% of net ticket sales.
“The articulation of the investments was very important,” said CEO Marty Dickinson after the vote. “I think it is important to bring outside investment into this community and I want to emphasize that they felt like a really good partner who was ready to do this with us.”
Board member Nathaniel Greene said he was impressed with the USL’s commitment to bringing a women’s team to Spokane and its commitment to “involve minorities and other underrepresented people.”
Dickinson added that “The woman side is definitely paramount. They (the USL) are ahead of the game compared to what we were with the other party. “
Cindy Wendle, who leads USL activities in Spokane, said she values the work of the PFD and Spokane Public Schools.
“They made sure that they were thoroughly evaluated by the community and that they had confidence in the choice they made,” said Wendle, who promised some important announcements “soon”.
However, Wendle admitted that the USL was still working to find a franchise owner.
It is also unclear when the new stadium in the city center will be ready for use. Greg Forsyth, director of capital projects for Spokane Public Schools, said Tuesday that due to the uncertain nature of the site, he “cannot say for sure” whether the facility will be completed by spring 2023, when the USL League One season would begin .
In the meantime, Wendle said the franchise will be working on branding and other projects.
The two presentations were rated on a scale of 0-100 with up to 25 points in each of the four categories: the written application, including a certificate of qualification; Understanding the scope of the project; previous operational and management experience and solicitation of advertising; and funding.
The USL scored 80 points compared to 60 for Brett Sports, with the USL scoring higher in all four categories. Eight points of the 20-point difference were allocated to the finance category.
“We are obviously disappointed because we believe the partnership between Brett Sports, the Seattle Sounders and Major League Soccer has been a historic and powerful opportunity for the Spokane community. Nevertheless we respect the decision of the SPFD board; We will continue to be a supporting partner to the Spokane Public Facilities District, “said Dave Pier, Brett Sports’ chief marketing officer, in an email.
The prospect of professional football in Spokane was bolstered by the Spokane Public Schools approval last spring for a $ 31 million, 5,000-seat stadium in downtown instead of northwest Spokane.
Although owned by the school district, the stadium is managed by the PFD, which also operates the nearby arena and newly completed podium.
The downtown location has been supported by the USL since spring 2020, which promised to bring a League One team to Spokane.