Sports Team and Facility Development Feasibility Study

The City of Long Beach is requesting proposals for a feasibility study evaluating the opportunity to attract a professional sports franchise to Downtown Long Beach and develop a premier sports and entertainment venue along the waterfront, with proposals due October 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM (PT) under RFP-ED-26-783. A local-preference program applies: brick-and-mortar businesses operating within Long Beach receive ten extra credit percentage points, while home-based businesses receive five points, both requiring current City business license and sellers permit.

The scope includes market analysis of national and regional demand, overview of professional sports leagues and teams, identification of realistic franchise expansion or relocation opportunities, evaluation of public-private partnership models, site suitability assessment, facility programming, economic and fiscal impacts, and actionable implementation recommendations. Proposers must demonstrate proven track record completing similar studies for municipal entities and qualification to conduct business in California.

The contract term is one year with an option to renew for one additional one-year period, not to exceed two years total. Only one award will be made. Compensation is subject to City Council appropriation and is not to exceed a specified amount payable at rates in Exhibit "B"; the City will issue payment within 30 calendar days of invoice submission. All data, materials, and work product are exclusive City property. The project is subject to prevailing wage requirements under California Labor Code Section 1770 et seq. and Davis Bacon Act compliance if federally assisted.

Evaluation weighs Organizational Capacity & Experience (50%), Method of Approach (35%), and Reasonableness of Cost (15%). Insurance requirements include commercial general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, workers' compensation with $1,000,000 employer's liability limits, and commercial automobile liability of $500,000 combined single limit if vehicles are used. An optional pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2026 at 10:00 AM (PT). Questions are due September 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM (PT), with City responses posted by October 1, 2026. Proposals must be submitted electronically via LongBeachBuys.com. The City intends to conduct interviews with selected proposers at a date to be determined.