Sacramento Republic FC’s top executive is leaving to take a job at a Major League Soccer club. The team announced Tuesday that President and General Manager Todd Dunivant will step down at the end of the year after eight seasons.
He will become the sporting director for New York City FC in January. The team is part of City Football Group, a major international soccer ownership umbrella which includes Manchester City in the English Premier League.
The 44-year-old Dunivant joined the Indomitable Club as its GM in 2018 to oversee Sacramento’s soccer operations as the team prepared to transition to MLS.
Sacramento was announced as the league’s newest expansion franchise in 2019, months after plans were announced for its first Downtown Railyards stadium. But the top-flight bid ended in 2021 after a pandemic delay and the lead investor pulled out.
Dunivant became team president in 2021, leading Sacramento Republic’s business operations and front office. “These eight seasons in Sacramento have been truly fulfilling, with relationships that will last a lifetime. I am so proud of what we’ve built together,” Dunivant said in a statement.
He also praised team ownership, staff and players which Dunivant said will deliver, “all of the rewards that this community and club deserve – a continued pursuit of silverware, an incredible stadium experience, and a limitless future that will continue to be the talk of American soccer.”
With Dunivant at its helm Sacramento Republic grew into a powerhouse within the USL Championship league. The team reached the postseason in seven out of eight years, including reaching the Western Conference Final in 2023.
Sacramento also stayed competitive in national U.S. soccer competitions during this time. The team reached the final of the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, beating three MLS teams and becoming the first second-division club to reach the championship since 2018. Republic FC also reached the final of the USL Jägermeister Cup earlier this year, where it narrowly fell at Heart Health Park.
Dunivant was also heavily involved in getting Republic FC’s new Railyards Stadium off the ground, including working with part-owner Kevin Nagle and the team’s new majority owner Wilton Rancheria. The $175 million stadium will hold 12,000 seats, and broke ground this summer with an expected opening in 2027.
Mayor Kevin McCarty and Republic FC President Todd Dunivant at the team’s stadium groundbreaking in the Railyards, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025.Tony Rodriguez/CapRadio
“Todd’s passion and relentless pursuit of success for this club and community have been evident in every project he has been a part of, and his efforts will long be connected to Republic FC,” Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango said in a release. “Our new downtown home continues to move forward because of Todd’s diligent work and our future remains strong.”
Before becoming a soccer executive Dunivant had a decorated career as a player in MLS. He was drafted in 2003 by the San Jose Earthquakes and played for 13 seasons, mostly with the LA Galaxy. Dunivant appeared in more than 300 matches and won five MLS Cups, two Supporters’ Shields and lifted the U.S. Open Cup.
A time of transition
Dunivant’s departure comes amid other changes to Sacramento Republic following a shorter-than-expected end to the 2025 season. The team reached its 11th postseason in 12 years after finishing second in the Western Conference, and had its sights set on capturing their first trophy since 2014.
But Sacramento crashed out in its first game during the quarterfinals, losing a penalty shootout at home against Orange County SC. It was the second year in a row the club was eliminated during a quarterfinal penalty contest.
The offseason also saw multiple veteran players leave the club. Captain and team legend Rodrigo “RoRo” Lopez announced his retirement before the end of the season, and was ejected from the playoff loss after receiving a red card.
Sacramento Republic FC captain Rodrigo “RoRo” Lopez speaks about his upcoming retirement, alongside the championship trophy he helped the team win in their inaugural 2014 season Oct. 23, 2025.Sarit Laschinsky/CapRadio
Lopez spent seven years in Sacramento and was the last member of the 2014 Championship-winning team still on the roster. He will join the team’s front office next year in a player development role.
Other major roster changes for 2026 include the departure of midfielder Luis Felipe after five seasons and veteran forward Russell Cicerone. Felipe ranks in the top five for appearances, minutes and assists, and Cicerone is the third-highest scorer in club history.
Goalkeeper Jared Mazzola, who had a breakout performance during the Jägermeister Cup, had his contract expire.
The team says Head Coach Neill Collins will continue to build out the roster and direct soccer operations after Dunivant’s departure. Sacramento Republic’s board of directors has also begun the search for his replacement.
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