With the move comes new minority owners alongside Bill and Teresa Predmore
First it was a new sponsor, Zulily, that united Seattle’s two largest professional soccer teams. On Wednesday afternoon, additional local partnerships were brought into the fold, as Reign FC announced a series of changes for the club in 2019 — including a move to Tacoma, new minority owners, and a slight name change.
“This is a special day for Tacoma, and speaks to what’s possible with great partners, and we should be proud of that,” said Tacoma Rainiers President Aaron Artman. “The addition of Reign FC to Tacoma matters, and shows the power behind great partnerships. We look forward to an exciting, and busy, 2019 in Cheney Stadium.”
Meanwhile, the city continues to advance plans to re-purpose Heidelberg/Davis Park into a soccer stadium, something that is expected to happen in 2021. Should this be completed, it would become Reign FC’s permanent home alongside S2. Reign FC will also train at a to-be-confirmed location in Tacoma, with players moving a bit further south to be closer to their new home.
With this move further south on I-5, Bill and Teresa Predmore welcome new owners into the Reign FC family. Adrian Hanauer and his mother, Lenore, will become minority owners — a personal move for Hanauer that is unrelated to his role with the Sounders. For the Hanauers, the move is a natural step for a family that has had a lifelong connection to the sport, with Lenore also being a huge women’s soccer and Reign FC fan.
“On behalf of Lenore Hanauer, we are excited to make this additional commitment to soccer in our community and specifically to the women’s game in our region,” said Sounders FC Owner Adrian Hanauer. “With our partners at Reign FC and the Tacoma Rainiers, we look forward to delivering a first-class product on the field in the South Sound for years to come.”
The word “uncertainty” has surrounded Reign FC for so many years when it comes to the team’s long-term stadium solution. Many readers have shared their desire to watch this group of world-class athletes play — just not at Memorial. Today’s announcement provides some much needed clarity for supporters and helps bolster the club’s ability to become a strong, sustainable force in NWSL well into the future.
As the Predmores concluded in their note to fans, “We truly believe the best is yet to come, and we are hopeful that you will continue to support Reign FC as we make this incredible journey forward.”
