Washington County needs a professional sports franchise — and the time to pursue one is now.
As one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country, Washington County has experienced steady expansion for more than two decades. New housing developments, expanding businesses and incoming attractions have reshaped the region at a rapid pace.
As a long-time area resident, I have seen that change firsthand during my 12-plus years and two separate stints living here. That growth is exactly why Washington County is now capable of supporting a professional sports team — something that previously felt unrealistic.
The home I grew up in had uninterrupted views of the Pine Valley Mountains in the once mostly empty area of Washington Fields. Today, that same neighborhood is surrounded by subdivisions, with an LDS Temple and new schools just down the street.
Resorts such as Black Desert and Pecan Valley have helped establish the area as a premier vacation destination near Zion National Park. Attractions have continued to expand, including golf courses, water parks, museums and adventure-based entertainment options that draw visitors year-round. The pace of that growth reflects a community that is no longer emerging, but maturing.
Utah Tech University has followed a similar trajectory. What was once a small two-year college has grown into a full four-year university competing at the NCAA Division I level, mirroring the broader evolution of the region.
As the area has grown, so have its sports offerings.
Greater Zion now hosts nationally recognized sporting events, including Red Bull Rampage, the PGA Tour’s Bank of Utah Championship, and the Professional Pickleball Association Greater Zion Cup. The region has also hosted Ironman North American and World Championship races, LPGA Tour events, PRCA Xtreme Bulls and will welcome the opening rounds of the 2025 WAC Basketball Tournaments.
These events show that Washington County already understands how to support sports. What it lacks is consistency — a team that plays a full season, builds long-term fan relationships and represents the community year after year.
St. George has attempted professional sports before through baseball. The Pioneerzz competed in the Western Baseball League from 1999 to 2001, followed by the Roadrunners of the Golden Baseball League from 2007 to 2010.
Those teams were short-lived due to league instability, a smaller population base and limited infrastructure at the time. The region had not yet developed into the tourism and entertainment destination it is today.
What makes now different is scale and stability. Washington County’s population is significantly larger, tourism is stronger and the local economy is more established. The area has proven it can host major sporting events, welcome visiting fans and market itself on a national stage.
No, Washington County is not landing an NFL or NBA franchise — but it doesn’t need one. A lower-level professional team, such as minor or independent league baseball, indoor soccer, hockey or a developmental basketball league, fits the market.
These teams succeed in communities that value affordability, family-friendly entertainment and a strong sense of local identity. Many similarly sized or smaller markets across the country already support professional teams at that level.
A professional franchise would not compete with Utah Tech athletics, but complement them. It would provide consistent entertainment outside the collegiate calendar, create local traditions and give fans something uniquely their own.
There would still be challenges, including securing a venue and ownership group, but those obstacles are no longer prohibitive. With public-private partnerships and a demonstrated appetite for sports, the opportunity is more realistic now than it was 15 years ago.
St. George isn’t missing much these days, but there remains a noticeable gap in the sports landscape.
If the opportunity arises again, Washington County should be ready to take it.
And if I still live in the area, I’ll be the first one in line for season tickets.
This article was originally written for Utah Tech’s student newspaper, Sun News.
