In an announcement made last month, the City has entered into an exclusive negotiating agreement with the United Soccer League (USL) to explore the development of a state-of-the-art entertainment district
anchored by a new stadium – to bring professional men’s and women’s soccer teams to Pico Rivera.
USL executives decided to engage with the city-based partly on the City’s Pico Rivera 2035: Community Revitalization Program (PR 2035), a modern-day renaissance of the City that will establish a formal yet dynamic downtown, a vibrant uptown, lively riverfronts, and inspiring places that reflect the rich history, culture, and diversity of Pico Rivera.
Founded in 1986, the USL is the largest and fastest-growing soccer organization in the United States, impacting more than 200 communities nationwide. The USL Championship League, sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation (U.S. Soccer) as a Division Two league since 2017, is the top professional men’s soccer league in the USL, featuring 24 clubs and reaching more than 84 million people across North America. The USL Super League is a Division One women’s soccer league that launched in August 2024 with eight teams and plans to add additional teams in subsequent seasons. The USL is the most widely accessible soccer league in the U.S., with multi-year national and international media rights agreements across various platforms.
As USL continues its rapid expansion and looks to establish a strong presence in the Los Angeles market, Pico Rivera stands out as a prime location for the league’s vision. The proposed stadium and entertainment district would serve as the home for
professional soccer and create new economic opportunities, jobs, and a vibrant gathering space for the community.
The City and USL will collaborate on the proposed project’s feasibility, design, and economic impact while engaging with residents, local businesses, and stakeholders. Although not yet determined, the partners will also explore viable sites and locations throughout the City for the proposed entertainment district.
The vision for the entertainment district includes:
» A new multi-purpose stadium for professional men’s and women’s soccer.
» Retail, dining, and entertainment spaces to create a year-round destination.
» Public gathering areas and green spaces for community events.
» Infrastructure improvements to enhance accessibility and transportation.
Pico Rivera is positioning itself as a key player in the future of professional soccer in Los Angeles. The city and USL remain committed to collaborating to create a dynamic space that fosters sports, entertainment, and economic growth.
While the agreement does not yet guarantee the project’s final approval, it marks the first significant step toward making this vision a reality. The City and USL will now collaborate to conduct studies, gather community input, and assess development opportunities before proceeding.
