League expansion heads south, west

The club is still in the early stages for most of its marketing plans and will announce a logo, crest and colors later this year. An international search for a coach and technical staff also will precede any player announcements, according to a statement released by the league.

Sacramento joins MLS: Sacramento Republic FC is finally moving up to Major League Soccer. After years of being jilted in MLS’ expansion race, Sacramento will become the league’s 29th franchise. The Republic will begin MLS play in 2022.

MLS commissioner Don Garber; Republic lead investor Ron Burkle and a host of other league, team and city officials announced the news at a block party in Sacramento on Monday afternoon.

“Sacramento’s selection by Major League Soccer for an expansion team is a victory to be celebrated by everyone in our community,” Burkle said.

The Republic launched in USL Pro — now USL League One — in 2014 and immediately began their push for MLS.

Sacramento appeared to be on the cusp in 2016 when Garber visited the city and told locals it would be “an expansion market very, very soon.” Since then, previously announced Atlanta United, Minnesota United and Los Angeles FC have debuted in MLS.

Miami; Nashville, Tenn.; Austin, Texas; and St. Louis have been announced as future expansion cities.

The Republic will play their home games at a stadium to be built in downtown Sacramento’s railyard district. The venue is expected to cost $300 million and will seat 20,100.