A Portland Hearts of Pine women’s team is inching closer to reality as city officials consider amending an agreement with the organization to expand its use of Fitzpatrick Stadium.

The Hearts of Pine would choose 33 dates to host games at the stadium — 25 for the men’s team, and eight for a new women’s team that would play in the USL W League in 2027, according to a draft of the updated agreement.

The proposal states the organization would pay market rate for the additional games and practice times, which city staff said can be accommodated “without adversely affecting other customers.”

The men’s team, which had its debut season in 2025, does not pay rental fees for practice sessions or up to 25 games for the first 10 years of the agreement in exchange for the roughly $3 million in improvements that the team has made at the stadium.

The proposed change would bring in more than $38,400 a year for the city.

Portland’s housing and economic development committee was slated to take up the contract Tuesday, but the meeting was postponed because of a lack of quorum.

Founded by Falmouth native Gabe Hoffman-Johnson, the Hearts of Pine men’s team has seen tremendous success since its inaugural season when it set a USL League One attendance record, averaging 5,800 fans at Fitzpatrick.

Hearts of Pine management began more serious discussions about fielding a women’s team last fall, and has hosted three in-person town halls and a virtual forum to build support.

In March, a USL W to Portland YouTube forum featured pro women’s soccer players like Sam Coffey, who won Olympic gold in 2024 with the U.S. Women’s National Team.

Teams in the USL W are considered “pre-professional,” with predominantly college-age players who retain their NCAA eligibility. They play a 10- to 12-game schedule in May and June.

A memo to city councilors from Ethan Hipple, director of parks, recreation and facilities, said the presence of the Hearts of Pine at Fitzpatrick Stadium has been “very positive,” and has resulted in a new turf field, lights, press box improvements, locker rooms, seating and more.

“The team has been a good-faith partner in solving issues that have arisen,” he said, adding that staff recommends approval of the new stadium agreement.

The bulk of improvements to Fitzpatrick Stadium were made prior to the team’s inaugural season, but ahead of its sophomore season this year the team added a new, stadium-specific sound system. In April, team management said the stadium is “so much more than just a place we play.”

“Fitzy is a community asset, and we’ve made a multiyear commitment to improving it — not just for our supporters, but for everyone who uses it,” said Kevin Schohl, Hearts of Pine club president.

According to Hipple, the market rate for practice time at the field is $100 per hour, while whole-facility rentals for special events and game days are $4,800 each.

Attempts to reach Hearts of Pine management for comment Wednesday were unsuccessful.