Memphis to get United Soccer League franchise

It’s official. The United Soccer League is coming to Memphis and will begin play at AutoZone Park in 2019.

Mayor Jim Strickland celebrated the news on his Facebook page, writing, “More details to be ironed out, but we've worked to help make this a reality. It’s just another example of our momentum in the City of Memphis.”

More: Is Memphis on the verge of getting a professional soccer franchise?

The Commercial Appeal reported in August that the Memphis Redbirds were “on the verge” of obtaining a franchise. Jake Edwards, president of the USL, confirmed to the Memphis Business Journal Tuesday that Memphis will, indeed, be getting a team.

"We are excited about the prospects of a third professional sports team in downtown Memphis," said Craig Unger, the Redbirds president and general manager, in a written statement. "Coupled with the continued revitalization of downtown, the time has never been better for investment in the city and its people."

The USL isn’t Major League Soccer, but it’s only one tier down, and two steps up from the semi-pro Memphis City FC team that started last year. Nashville’s USL team will begin play next year. Birmingham and Austin will join Memphis and begin play in 2019.

Other cities with USL teams include St. Louis, Cincinnati, Orlando, Phoenix, Sacramento and Tampa. Cincinnati led the league in attendance in 2017, averaging 21,198 a game. Louisville won the 2017 title Monday night in front of a crowd of 14,456.