Mazatlán FC Future Secured: Liga MX Exit Doesn’t Mean End of Soccer in Sinaloa

Mazatlán FC is nearing the completion of its time in the Liga MX, but a plan is in place to keep the Sinaloa-based team in the MX Expansion League and maintain employ of Estadio El Encanto.

Franchise Transfer and Expansion League Future

According to reliable sources, the agreement between Mazatlán FC and Atlas involves the transfer of the Expansion League franchise to the owners of the Sinaloa team, allowing them to continue in professional football.

The operation appears to be a simulated promotion and relegation, with Atlas moving to the First Division through the purchase of the Mazatlán FC franchise, while the Sinaloa team drops to the silver division.

Stadium Agreement Key to Continued Presence

Preserving the existence of Mazatlán FC in professional football, even in the MX Expansion League, is a key element of the agreement.

The stadium, currently known as ‘El Encanto‘, was previously called ‘Kraken’ and is owned by the local government, following an investment of over 600 million pesos for its construction.

“This Contract will have an initial validity of 10 (ten) years from the date of its signature and until July 17, 2030. The foregoing, with the understanding that once the aforementioned expiration date has arrived, and in the event that ‘THE ADMINISTRATOR’ IS UP TO DATE OF ALL THE OBLIGATIONS ASSUMED IN THIS CONTRACT, ‘THE STATE GOVERNMENT’ undertakes and obliges to grant the Administrator an extension for a period equal to that initially agreed upon, consequently renewing the validity of this Contract.”

Administration Contract between Mazatlán FC and the State Government

The administrators of the soccer club have “exclusivity” to use the property not only for soccer matches but also for “all kinds of concerts and/or massive events,” opening up additional revenue streams.

“’The STATE GOVERNMENT’ expresses its express and irrevocable agreement for ‘THE ADMINISTRATOR’ to make exclusive and unlimited use of the stadium and its soccer fields, for the celebration of any event, including, but not limited to, training and the celebration of all friendly and official soccer matches, / including, without limitation, national and/or international matches, the organization and/or celebration of all kinds of concerts and/or massive, cultural and artistic events.”

Administration Contract between Mazatlán FC and the State Government

Why Preserve the Stadium?

The transfer of the position in the Expansion League is a non-negotiable point in the transaction between Mazatlán and Atlas. The “Administration Contract” stipulates that relocating the soccer team triggers potential contract termination.

“When the professional soccer team is transferred to another place, city or State other than Mazatlán”, the contract may be terminated without responsibility of the “State Government”.

Administration Contract between Mazatlán FC and the State Government

The governor of the State of Sinaloa acknowledged reviewing the contract in December 2025.

The contract does not specify that the soccer team must be from Liga MX or MX Expansion League, meaning Mazatlán FC can remain at ‘El Encanto’ Stadium as long as it remains a professional soccer team.

FAQ

• Will Mazatlán FC continue to play professional soccer? Yes, the team will transition to the MX Expansion League.
• What will happen to Estadio El Encanto? The team will continue to use the stadium, and the agreement ensures its continued operation.
• Is the stadium owned by Mazatlán FC? No, the stadium is owned by the State Government of Sinaloa, but Mazatlán FC has an administration contract for its use.

Pro Tip: Keeping a professional soccer presence in Mazatlán is crucial for the local economy and community engagement.

The future of Mazatlán FC is now secured, ensuring that soccer will continue to thrive in Sinaloa for years to come.