MODESTO, Calif. — Applause broke out in front of Modesto City Hall Thursday morning as city officials and United Soccer League leaders announced the two groups are formally negotiating to bring a new USL team and stadium to Stanislaus County.
"Modesto City Council has voted unanimously to approve a letter of intent with the United Soccer League to begin negotiations to explore the possibility of bringing men's and women's professional soccer to Modesto," said Modesto Mayor Sue Zwahlen. "I look forward to the day when the first professional soccer game is held on the pitch here in Modesto."
While city officials are hopeful, there are many steps ahead. The league and city must come up with plans for a new stadium, how it will be financed and which USL league the teams will belong to.
The negotiation agreement expires in one year, with the option for a six-month extension.
"Part of the reason why Modesto was the right fit was from talking with the business and community leaders... just the passion they had for their community was evident from day one, " said USL's Deputy CEO Justin Papadakis. "We feel that Modesto can be one of the top teams in the country, and that's why we're excited about the start of this journey."
The new talks with USL aren't the only sports-related negotiations happening at City Hall. Officials are still fighting to keep their minor league baseball team, the Modesto Nuts.
"We are committed to dedicating our city and our residents to many sports venues and entertainment venues, retail, housing..." said Zwahlen. "This is all kind of part of it. The negotiations will be ongoing."
The city has until April to negotiate a contract extension with the Nuts or else next season may be the last for professional baseball in Modesto.
City leaders hope both negotiations will pass home plate — or end up in the six-yard box.
"We are competitive in spirit and driven to expand in a new era of local pride through professional soccer," said Zwhalen. "This is a real exciting day."
Watch more from ABC10: The Modesto Nuts announced they'll be staying in town for another year
