Cincinnati has been awarded a Major League Soccer expansion team that will begin play in the 2019 MLS season, Commissioner Don Garber announced today.
The club, which will continue as FC Cincinnati when it joins MLS, will play at Nippert Stadium until the club’s 21,000-seat soccer stadium in Cincinnati’s West End neighborhood is completed in 2021.
“Major League Soccer is proud to introduce Cincinnati as our 26th team,” said Commissioner Garber. “The rise of Cincinnati as a passionate soccer market in recent years, coinciding with the city’s growing economy and reputation as a top destination for young professionals makes it an ideal city for our growing league.