LAS VEGAS – Almost two years since he had been on hand for the introduction of the team that became Reno 1868 FC, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval was there to welcome the arrival of his state’s second USL club on Friday as Las Vegas Pro Soccer officially joined the league.

For Sandoval, the addition of professional soccer to Las Vegas’ growing sport scene was a major cause for celebration.

“It truly puts Nevada on the map,” said Sandoval. “To have a professional soccer franchise in Las Vegas means everything. We’ve been able to bring in the NHL, we’ve been able to bring in the NFL in the near future, but there’s a massive soccer fanbase here, and they’ve just been begging to have a team. Now we’re going to get one, and it’s very exciting.”

With the Vegas Golden Knights set to open their inaugural NHL season this October at the T-Mobile Center, and the arrival of the NFL's Raiders set for 2020, Las Vegas is quickly become an attractive location for potential sports investors. The state’s growth under Sandoval’s leadership is one of the major reasons why.

“They’re seeing that this state is a leading state in the nation in terms of growth and diversification,” said Sandoval. “It’s a really blank canvas in terms of developing a sports franchise here.”