If semi-pro soccer team Detroit City FC is going to realize its owners' longtime goal of turning professional, the decision to switch to a new league will have to be made no later than this fall — or maybe sooner.

That's according to DCFC co-owner Todd Kropp, who told Crain's on Friday that the team is in talks with the new Chicago-based National Independent Soccer Association and the established New York City-based North American Soccer League.

"We're in active discussions considering NASL and NISA," Kropp said. "Ideally, it's a late summer or early fall decision. The sooner we make that decision, the better."

There's a relatively short window for a decision on turning professional versus remaining in DCFC's current league, the National Premier Soccer League, because the team would need the lead time to ramp up marketing and season ticket sales efforts for 2018, Kropp said.

The decision on going pro is being driven by two primary considerations: Getting outside investment by a wealthy benefactor who buys into DCFC's business strategy of building being fan-focused, and determining which league is the right fit.

Since its 2012 launch, Detroit City has played in the fourth-tier NPSL, and on Aug. 5 the club reached the league's national semi-final for the first time in front of a team-record 7,533 fans at DCFC's home pitch, Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck. Detroit City averaged 5,398 over 15 homes matches this season — gate numbers that have drawn praise across the soccer world.