Mazatlán, Mexico – The impending sale of Mazatlán FC to Atlante is not signaling the end of professional soccer in Sinaloa, but rather a complex restructuring that aims to preserve the use of Estadio El Encanto, now a vital piece of the region’s sporting and economic landscape. The deal, currently under negotiation, would see Atlante return to Liga MX while Mazatlán FC continues in the Liga de Expansión MX, a move that some are calling a simulated promotion and relegation.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the agreement hinges on the transfer of Mazatlán FC’s Liga de Expansión MX franchise to the current owners of the Sinaloa-based club. This would allow them to remain active in professional soccer, even as their top-flight status changes hands. The operation is progressing, with Atlante poised to re-enter Liga MX through the acquisition of Mazatlán FC’s franchise.
A key element of the deal is the preservation of Mazatlán FC’s presence in professional soccer, albeit in the Liga de Expansión MX. Estadio El Encanto, formerly known as Kraken, is a relatively new 20,000-seat venue located in a prominent tourist area of Sinaloa. The stadium is owned by the state government, having been built with an investment exceeding 600 million pesos.
The “Contrato de Administración” (Administration Contract) signed between the Mazatlán FC ownership and the state government of Sinaloa grants the club’s administrators exclusive use of the stadium, not only for soccer matches but also for “all kinds of concerts and/or massive events.” This opens up additional revenue streams beyond game-day attendance. The contract, signed during the administration of former Governor Quirino Ordaz Coppel, is valid until July 17, 2030.
The contract stipulates that should the term expire, and the administrators are compliant with all obligations, the state government is committed to granting a renewal for an equal period. The agreement also outlines potential compensation for the state government in any renewal period.
Why is Maintaining Estadio El Encanto Essential for Mazatlán FC?
Estadio El Encanto represents more than just a venue; it’s a potential economic engine for the region. The exclusivity clause within the administration contract is crucial. The agreement allows the club to utilize the stadium for a wide range of events, maximizing its revenue potential.
Why Will Mazatlán Retain Estadio El Encanto?
A non-negotiable point in the transaction between Mazatlán and Atlante is the transfer of the Liga de Expansión MX plaza to Sinaloa. This represents directly tied to the “Contrato de Administración” for Estadio El Encanto, which stipulates that the team’s relocation would be grounds for contract termination. Specifically, clause seventeen of the contract states that if the professional soccer team is moved to another city or state, the contract can be rescinded without penalty to the state government.
Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha acknowledged in December 2025 that he was not fully aware of the contract details but assured that it would be reviewed. He indicated that any unilateral rescission would require indemnification or a grace period for the team’s administration to maintain its presence in the region. “I don’t know how the contract was made, but…seeing the people come…soccer is an attraction, a meeting point for people, and that’s enough for me. I wasn’t involved in this when I arrived; all the agreements between the government and the company had already been made. This stadium belongs to Sinaloa, to the government. We are reviewing the terms of the agreement, regarding the duration and exceptional circumstances like this, and the extension of the stadium’s ownership,” Rocha stated.
Importantly, the 15-page “Contrato de Administración” does not specify that the team remaining in the stadium must be a Liga MX club. Mazatlán FC can continue to operate at Estadio El Encanto as long as it remains a professional soccer club.
The unfolding situation represents a pragmatic solution to a complex scenario. Atlante gains a coveted return to the top flight of Mexican soccer, while Sinaloa retains a professional soccer presence and safeguards the economic benefits associated with Estadio El Encanto. The future of Mazatlán FC in the Liga de Expansión MX appears secure, ensuring that soccer will continue to be a focal point for the region’s passionate fanbase.
The next key date to watch is the expected finalization of the sale agreement between Atlante and Grupo Salinas, which will formally outline the terms of the franchise transfer and the future of both clubs. Fans in Sinaloa will be closely monitoring developments, hoping for a smooth transition and a continued vibrant soccer culture at Estadio El Encanto.
