TO: Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Cale Curtis, City Manager
DATE: July 1, 2026
Title
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION - STAFF AUTHORIZATION TO NEGOTIATE AN AGREEMENT WITH FORT LAUDERDALE FOOTBALL CLUB, LLC D/B/A FORT LAUDERDALE UNITED FC FOR THE DEVELOPMENT, OPERATION, AND MANAGEMENT OF A COMPREHENSIVE YOUTH SOCCER AND MULTI-SPORT COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING PLATFORM ON CITY-OWNED RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND FIELDS.
BACKGROUND:
FTL UTD submitted an unsolicited proposal pursuant to Section 255.065, Florida Statutes, to operate youth soccer and multi-sport programming on City-owned facilities in partnership with the City. The proposal includes soccer, flag football, futsal, lacrosse, clinics, scholarships, tournaments, and field improvements under a co-branded "Margate United FTL UTD" platform.
Proposed benefits include:
• Annual field improvement funding of at least $100,000;
• Scholarships and youth financial assistance;
• Professional coaching and operational support;
• Revenue sharing from registrations and tournaments; and
• Potential contributions toward future sports complex improvements.
The term sheet also requests:
• Exclusive rights to youth flag football;
• Right of First Refusal (ROFR) for certain field uses;
• Designated use of City facilities and guaranteed field hours;
• Five-year terms with automatic renewals; and
• Reimbursement of certain investments upon termination.
No binding agreement currently exists.
The proposal may provide additional programming opportunities, scholarships, facility investments, and operational support without requiring direct General Fund support for program operations. However, several proposed terms raise policy and operational concerns, including:
• Preserving the City's recreation-first philosophy;
• Maintaining City control over public facilities and scheduling;
• Avoiding exclusivity arrangements and long-term encumbrances;
• Protecting future Commission flexibility;
• Ensuring resident access and affordability; and
• Avoiding unintended financial obligations.
Accordingly, staff does not recommend acceptance of the proposal or term sheet as presented and instead seeks direction on whether to negotiate a modified agreement.
RECOMMENDATION: For consideration by the City Commission. Discuss the unsolicited proposal and provide direction regarding whether staff should negotiate a potential comprehensive agreement. Any negotiated agreement would return to the City Commission for consideration and possible approval.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no immediate fiscal impact associated with this agenda item. Any proposed agreement and associated financial impacts would be presented to the Commission for future consideration.
CONTACT PERSON: Michael Jones, Director of Parks and Recreation