Green Bay council OKs exclusive USL letter, opening talks on pro soccer
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Summary
The council approved an exclusive letter of intent with the United Soccer League, allowing staff and the RDA to begin feasibility discussions about bringing a USL club to Green Bay and exploring stadium/site/ownership options.
The Green Bay Common Council voted Nov. 11 to approve an exclusive letter of intent with the United Soccer League, clearing the way for staff and the city’s Redevelopment Authority to begin a feasibility process.
Justin Papadakis, speaking for the USL, described the league’s approach: teams are privately held, the league seeks locally aligned ownership groups and a feasible stadium plan is the threshold for awarding a franchise. “We are bringing billions of dollars of economic development,” Papadakis told the council, adding that community engagement and youth partnerships are part of the USL model.
The mayor and council members framed the vote as an initial, nonbinding step: the LOI gives the city an exclusive window to negotiate and to examine site, financing and ownership options. Councilors said the RDA’s earlier approval and staff analyses would guide subsequent negotiations.
What’s next: staff and the RDA will pursue site feasibility, fiscal analysis, and local ownership options. Any public financing, zoning changes, or stadium approvals would return to council for separate votes.