San Diego FC Partnership Recognition May 1, 2024 Congratulations, Sycuan Casino Resort! The NAFOA, Native American Finance Officers Association, recognizes the 17th annual leadership award recipients. “The Business Impact Deal of the Year Award acknowledges initiatives driving significant economic growth for tribes and Indian Country. This year’s recipient is the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, recognized for their shared acquisition of the Major League Soccer franchise, San Diego FC, alongside entrepreneur Mohamed Mansour. This pioneering partnership, enhanced by the Sycuan Tribe’s rich cultural heritage and longstanding community ties to the San Diego area, includes establishing the Right to Dream Academy for student-athletes. This historic agreement marks a pivotal moment for the Sycuan Tribe, marking them as the first Native American tribe to hold an ownership stake in a men’s professional sports team. Through extensive collaboration, the tribe has paved the way for future opportunities, opening doors for tribes to engage in sports franchise ownership and various private and corporate ventures. San Diego FC is set to debut in 2025 at the 35,000-seat Snapdragon Stadium. NAFOA was founded over 40 years ago as the Native American Finance Officers Association to highlight the role of tribal finance in fostering economic opportunities.” Credit: NAFOA 2024