Sacramento Republic has chosen its new executive leader — one with a historical connection to the team.
Officials announced Tim Holt as Republic FC’s new President and General. He will lead Sacramento’s business operations and front office, manage the team’s sporting department and help with developing its roster.
Managing partner Kevin Nagle said Holt brings “proven leadership, integrity, and a deep understanding of what it takes to build a successful club in this league.”
“We believe Tim is the right leader to help guide Republic FC into its next chapter and continue building something our community can be proud of,” Nagle wrote.
“Republic FC is one of the special clubs in American soccer and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help steward the club into its next era,” Holt said in a written statement.
He brings more than a decade of team executive experience to the Indomitable Club, spending eight seasons managing business and sporting operations at San Antonio FC as its managing director.
Holt was San Antonio’s second-ever hire after the city was awarded a USL franchise in January 2016. He helped lead the team to three-straight USL playoffs and secured five trophies during the 2022 season — including the USL Championship.
Holt also served as the Vice President of Development for Orlando City FC during its inaugural 2015 season in Major League Soccer.
Returning to where it all began
Holt’s appointment as the head of Sacramento’s business and sporting operations, in a way, is a long time coming.
Holt spent 16 years with the United Soccer League (USL), including as league president from 2009-2015. It was at this time that Republic FC’s path crossed — or more precisely, began — with his.
In December 2012, Holt awarded Sacramento the league’s next expansion franchise. The team would step onto the pitch for the first time in the 2014 season as Sacramento Republic FC.
“Sacramento represents yet another significant step toward our objective of achieving a regionalized competition approach in the West,” Holt said at the time.
Then-USL President Tim Holt (left) with Sacramento Republic FC founder Warren Smith at the club’s launch event Dec. 3, 2012.Courtesy of Sacramento Republic FC
More than a decade later he’s back to take up the reins.
Holt called his return, “a full-circle moment to see how the original promise of a club has evolved into a remarkable organization with passionate supporters, consistently competing at the top of the table, and a dedicated staff who serve this community.”
Big shoes to fill
Holt’s arrival comes as Sacramento is making moves to expand its future and secure its position as a USL Championship powerhouse — many of which were set in motion by his predecessor.
Holt replaces former President and General Manager Todd Dunivant, who stepped down at the end of last year to become the sporting director of New York City FC in MLS.
Under Dunivant’s leadership Sacramento became a powerhouse in league play and stayed competitive on the national stage, reaching the finals of the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the 2025 USL Jägermeister Cup.
Dunivant was also heavily involved in making Republic FC’s new Railyards stadium a reality, working with Nagle and the team’s majority owner Wilton Rancheria. The $175 million stadium can seat 12,000 people with room to expand to 20,000.
The project broke ground last year and is expected to open in 2027.
Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango said he expects Republic’s momentum to continue under the new executive.
“Tim understands how to honor a club’s identity while building for the future. His experience and leadership will help ensure we continue growing in a way that reflects our values and strengthens our connection to the region,” Tarango wrote.
Preparing for a new season
Holt’s arrival comes as Sacramento gears up for a new season, and follows an offseason of change with several big-name players departing the club.
Five-year veteran midfielder Luis Felipe departed for Lexington SC; forward Russell Cicerone moved to the Tampa Bay Rowdies; and goalkeeper Jared Mazzola, who had a standout performance in the Jägermeister Cup, signed with Las Vegas Lights FC.
Longtime captain Rodrigo “RoRo” Lopez also retired, and joined Sacramento’s front office in a player development role.
But Republic FC has also been adding reinforcements with MLS and international experience. The team announced the signing of midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye last week. Kaye has an extensive history playing on the MLS level, including being named an MLS All-Star while at Los Angeles FC, and logged more than 40 appearances for the Canadian Men’s National Team.
Sacramento also brought in MLS veteran Jose “Memo” Rodriguez and Ghana National Team midfielder Aaron Essel.
The team kicks off the 2026 USL Championship season at Heart Health Park March 7 against FC Tulsa. Sacramento will play its first match of the 2026 Open Cup March 18 against amateur club El Farolito FC, also at home.
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