San Antonio could soon score a professional soccer team.
The United Soccer League has been in discussions with multiple local investors about placing a team in the Alamo City.
One of those local investors is the San Antonio Spurs’ parent company, Spurs Sports & Entertainment.
"We have experience and the desire to add to that portfolio and bring additional sport and entertainment to south central Texas, and we believe soccer is the next sport to bring," said Leo Gomez of Spurs Sports & Entertainment.
The SS&E is looking at working in conjunction with a local school district to convert a high school football stadium into a professional soccer venue.
It's a model that successfully was used by Dallas’ Major League Soccer franchise. Working with the Frisco Independent School District, FC Dallas developed the $65-million Pizza Hut Park soccer complex.
However, this is not the only option on the table.
Local developer Gordon Hartman said he’s been in talks with the USL about building a new soccer stadium out at his STAR Soccer Complex.
“We are moving aggressively in trying to put together plans for a venue," said Hartman. “The time has come and this market is seen by these leagues as one that should be tapped now."
Under both scenarios, taxpayers would likely be called on to foot part of the bill.
Gomez said, regardless of the venue, in order for a professional team to be viable in San Antonio, the team would need to draw 8,000 to 12,000 fans to every home game.
