Pico Rivera’s plans to be a premier sports and entertainment destination are one step closer to reality.

Mayor John R. Garcia and Dan Holman, CEO of the United Soccer League, was expected to sign a negotiated letter of agreement at a ceremony today at City Hall.

The city and the soccer organization are agreeing to explore the development of a state-of-the-art entertainment district anchored by a new professional stadium to bring professional men’s soccer teams to Pico Rivera.

“This is an exciting moment for the city of Pico Rivera,” Garcia said. “Partnering with the USL gives us a unique opportunity to bring professional soccer to our community while developing a world-class entertainment district that will benefit residents, businesses and visitors for years to come.”

The Letter of Interest allows the city and soccer league to collaborate on the proposed project’s feasibility, design and economic impact while engaging with residents, local businesses and stakeholders, said city spokesperson Stephen Chavez.

Plans for the entertainment district include:

A multipurpose stadium for professional men’s and women’s soccer.

Retail, dining and entertainment spaces.

Public gathering areas and green spaces for community events.

Improvements to infrastructure enhancing accessibility and transportation.

“The Los Angeles area has a passionate soccer culture, and we see tremendous potential in Pico Rivera as a home for professional men’s and women’s soccer,” said Justin Papadakis, USL deputy CEO and chief real estate officer. “We are excited to work with city leaders to develop a state-of-the-art stadium and entertainment district that will generate economic development, inspire young athletes, and create a lasting legacy for the community.”

The agreement is part of the Pico Rivera 2035: Community Revitalization Program, a strategic approach to revitalize five priority corridors: Washington Boulevard, Rosemead Boulevard, Whittier Boulevard, the Rio Hondo, and the San Gabriel River.

The Pico Rivera 2035 vision includes new riverfront development, a Metro light-rail line, a regional rail station served by Metrolink and/or Amtrak and an enhanced bus service on Rosemead and Lakewood boulevards.

The USL, founded in 1986, is the largest and fastest-growing soccer organization in the United States, which offers a youth-to-professional pathway for both men and women through two professional and one preprofessional men’s leagues and Division I professional women’s USL Super League, which launched in 2024. It also operates USL W League, a preprofessional women’s league, USL Academy talent development platform and USL Youth, a national youth platform.

The USL has multiyear national and international media rights agreements across various platforms, such as CBS Sports, ESPN, and Peacock. As the league looks to establish a strong presence in the Los Angeles market, Pico Rivera stands out as a prime location for the league’s vision, officials said. The proposed stadium and entertainment district would serve as the home for professional soccer and create new economic opportunities, jobs and a gathering space for the community.

While the agreement does not guarantee the project’s final approval, it is a first significant first step, officials added. Next, the city and USL will collaborate to conduct studies, gather community input, and assess development opportunities.