FC Cincinnati might not learn its MLS expansion fate for a while

Futbol Club Cincinnati is now on Major League Soccer's time, and that means it might not learn of a resolution to the ongoing expansion process for at least several more weeks and possibly longer.

As a result of not having two teams selected for expansion by the end 0f 2017 – MLS Commissioner Don Garber said the league wanted to have two teams admitted by the holiday season – the league is now splitting its attention between ongoing expansion conversations and a robust schedule of offseason events.

It could be late January or later before FC Cincinnati learns its expansion fate.

The MLS preseason kicks into gear in a couple weeks. Also, two of the most important personnel events of the league year – the player combine in Orlando and MLS SuperDraft in Philadelphia – are just around the corner.

More: Wait for MLS expansion news drags on in Cincinnati, Detroit, Sacramento

Here's a list of upcoming MLS and U.S. Soccer events that could divert attention away from the expansion conversation:

• Jan. 11-17 — MLS Combine in Orlando: High-level college prospects and some internationals will have a chance to play and train with professional coaches from multiple leagues watching.

• Jan. 16-19 — Annual MLS league meetings in Philadelphia.

• Jan. 19 — MLS SuperDraft in Philadelphia.

• Jan. 20-21 — MLS Media and Marketing Days in Los Angeles: Dozens of the top MLS players will be in the City of Angels for advertising shoots and interviews.

• Jan. 22 — MLS teams open preseason camps.

It's not out of the realm of possibilities that FC Cincinnati, Detroit and Sacramento can learn their respective expansion fates earlier than that. After all, talks are ongoing and the league wants to wrap the process up after missing its own deadline for having two new teams admitted by the end of 2017.

Still, there's enough other stuff going on to keep the league office and existing MLS executives occupied for weeks and weeks.