With Interest from NISA and USL, Temecula FC Owner Brandon Jantz Eyes Pro Move

The NISA Nation club nestled between LA and San Diego has big goals for their future.

Credit Temecula FC

After a post that stated a move to professional soccer was in the works, Beyond the 90 got in contact with Temecula FC owner Brandon Jantz. The California club, notorious for their promotion of an open system online, not only have a pro move in the works but have it moving rapidly. With interest from NISA and the USL, we discuss what the future of the club holds, from investment to a soccer-specific stadium and more.

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What league is the club looking to join and why?

Jantz: Great question — and one we’re excited to explore.

Right now, we’re in active conversations with a few different leagues as we evaluate the best fit for Temecula FC’s long-term vision and growth. We are currently competing in NISA Nation, so NISA is a league we’re closely aligned with and have a strong relationship with already.

That said, we’re keeping all options open and taking a thoughtful approach to ensure whatever step we take next supports both our competitive ambitions and our commitment to sustainable, community-driven development.

May I ask what other leagues are being considered? To my knowledge, the USL would be the only option available unless there is a new start-up.

You’re absolutely right that USL is a well-established and prominent option, and it’s certainly part of the broader landscape we're aware of.

That said, while NISA remains the most natural fit given our current participation in NISA Nation, we’re also keeping an eye on a few emerging league structures and independent opportunities that align with our values — particularly around community engagement, open systems, and sustainable growth.

At this stage, our goal is to make sure we’re not just taking the next step, but the right step for the club, the city, and our long-term mission.

What financial backing would be behind the club for a pro move?

That’s another great question — and one we’ve taken seriously as part of our long-term planning.

We’re currently in talks with a few strategic investors who share our vision for bringing professional soccer to Temecula. In addition, we’ve had ongoing conversations with city officials — not for financial backing, but to ensure the city is supportive of the project and can assist us in identifying and approving the best possible location for a modest stadium and training facility.

Our goal is to build a professional club that’s rooted in community, youth development, and long-term sustainability— not just a short-term leap. We believe that aligning the right people, resources, and community support will give us the foundation needed to succeed at the professional level.

What would a soccer-specific stadium look like for the club and what would a temporary venue look like if needed?

We envision a soccer-specific stadium that reflects the unique identity of Temecula — something intimate, community-focused, and integrated into the local culture.

Ideally, we would love to see the stadium located in Temecula Wine Country. We believe it would create an incredible experience for supporters — imagine spending the day visiting a few wineries, then heading over to cheer on Temecula FC in a professional match. It’s a setting that aligns perfectly with the kind of matchday atmosphere we want to create — memorable, family-friendly, and truly local.

That said, we’ve encountered a number of hurdles with zoning, infrastructure, and site approvals in that area. We're continuing to explore options and work with the city to find the best fit — but it’s certainly been a process.

In the meantime, if a temporary venue is needed, we would likely use an upgraded version of a local high school stadium or community facility that meets minimum professional standards. Our focus there would be on maintaining a strong fan experience while continuing to push for a permanent home.

What would the capacity of the ground be?

To start, we’d be looking to build to the minimum professional standards required by the league — focusing on functionality, experience, and room to grow. That means a stadium with a capacity of around 1,000–1,500 seats, which would give us a strong, lively atmosphere while remaining sustainable at this stage.

In addition to traditional seating, we’re also exploring creative ways to enhance the matchday experience, including VIP areas, suites, and hospitality boxes that may not be fixed structures, but could include elevated deck spaces, branded tents, or unique sideline viewing lounges. The goal is to create premium experiences without overextending in year one — giving us flexibility to grow as the fan base and demand increase.

Credit Temecula FC

What is the timeline for the pro launch?

At the moment, we’re working toward going fully professional as soon as possible, and we’ve had ongoing conversations with league leadership to evaluate the right path forward. Ideally, we’d like to position ourselves for entry into NISA competition in 2026, but we’re also exploring the possibility of a short-term ramp-up or evaluation period that could begin even sooner.

We’ve also had interest from investors aligned with both NISA and USL, which has been very encouraging. In fact, at our most recent match, we hosted a potential investor from a well-known soccer family that has been involved in U.S. professional soccer over the years. They were impressed by the energy of our supporters group, the entertainment value, and the fact that we drew a strong crowd even on Easter weekend — a real testament to the community’s passion for the club.

Our focus remains on building a strong, sustainable foundation — from facilities and operations to staff, players, and community engagement — so that when we make the leap, we’re ready to thrive at the professional level.

Will Temecula FC be in NISA Pro’s 2025 Fall Tournament?

We’re still in ongoing conversations with NISA about the next steps for Temecula FC, and the Fall Tournament has been part of those discussions. At this stage, nothing has been finalized, and whether we move forward will depend on a few more conversations with potential investors and how things go during our semi-final match this Saturday.

By that, we mean both the level of support we receive from the community and the opportunity for investors to see firsthand the matchday operations, revenue potential, and overall atmosphere — all of which help demonstrate the viability of professional soccer here in Temecula.

We’re taking a thoughtful approach to make sure the timing and structure are right before committing to the next phase.

What steps are you taking to make sure the club stays community focused as you try to advance up the ranks?

Staying community-focused is at the heart of everything we do. As we work toward moving up the ranks and potentially entering the professional level, we’re making sure our growth is built on the same foundation that got us here: local families, youth development, and real connection with our supporters.

A huge part of that is our youth club development, which will be key to everything we do going forward. We’re very focused on building a strong pathway that leads from our academy system all the way to the first team — with the clear goal of signing professional contracts with players who’ve come through our own club.

We’re also expanding our outreach with local schools, businesses, and nonprofits. Our matchday experience remains affordable and family-friendly, and the Quail Army supporters group continues to be front and center in everything we do.

The goal isn’t just to go pro — it’s to grow with our community, and to build something lasting that Temecula can be proud of.