FC Cincinnati have been confirmed as the newest team to join Major League Soccer as of the 2019 season.
The Ohio city's franchise will take the MLS up to 26 teams, two short of the 28 expected to complete the league once expansion plans are concluded.
Cincinnati have pursued joining MLS for a decade, with their United Soccer League franchise drawing more than 900,000 supporters through the turnstiles in just over two seasons.
The club will continue to play at the University of Cincinnati's Nippert Stadium until a purpose-built 21,000-seater home for the team is completed in 2021.
"Major League Soccer is proud to introduce Cincinnati as our 26th team," MLS commissioner Don Garber told ESPN.
"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.
"We congratulate [FC Cincinnati managing owner and CEO] Carl Lindner and his partners, and also the soccer fans of Cincinnati, who have passionately supported FC Cincinnati in the USL."
MLS currently has 23 teams, with Nashville and Miami - whose franchise is being run by a group including former England captain David Beckham - having already been accepted through the expansion process.
