Detroit City FC will officially turn professional next season when it enters the National Independent Soccer Association in early 2020, pending final U.S. Soccer approval, according to the league and DCFC co-owner Sean Mann.

NISA is a Division III men's professional soccer league planning its inaugural season after several years of stops and starts. DCFC has been in talks with the league since 2017.

The league's board of governors announced three new member clubs Thursday, according to a news release, after a meeting last week in Los Angeles. The Hamtramck-based team joins Chattanooga FC in Tennessee and Oakland Roots SC in California.

"These clubs truly represent their communities and are proof the open system for soccer is the best way forward. Each has built their support the correct way and that support will sustain them and NISA for years to come. Congratulations to each of them (owners, staff, players, and supporters) for taking that step to play professional soccer," NISA Commissioner John Prutch said in the release.

Mann said the players would have professional contracts. The team would not disclose salary figures.

DCFC reorganized its ownership structure, but kept all the partners, in order to meet requirements for the league, he said. The team has not brought on any additional partners or investors, as had been considered.

"This will be our home for the foreseeable future," Mann said.

The announcement comes after the abrupt dismantling of a hybrid tournament that was supposed to help the Hamtramck-based soccer team transition from semi-professional this fall. The six-team Founders Cup tournament under another league, the National Premier Soccer League, was designed to be the precursor to a new pro league, but is no longer happening. Its undoing came down to liability insurance, Mann previously said.

Detroit City FC will still be able to deliver on its promise for an extended season this year through a new Members Cup with a different mix of teams.

DCFC has had its sights on turning pro for several years. It averages nearly 6,000 fans per home game at Keyworth Stadium — the highest in its league. The team also commands strong corporate support from companies such as Stroh's Brewing Co., Strategic Staffing Solutions, Henry Ford Health System and MotorCity Casino Hotel.