"I am pleased at the progress that we have seen from Reno since the franchise was introduced as an expansion USL team late last year," said USL President Jake Edwards. "Led by world-class ownership in Herb Simon and a tremendous management team, Reno 1868 FC has done a wonderful job in promoting the team and engaging its followers with announcements and events that introduced team colors, its crest and uniform to hosting both a Liverpool U-21 friendly and a neutral-site USL game. Combined with its partnership with San Jose, we look forward to great success on and off the field for Reno 1868."

The agreement will also see Sacramento Republic FC’s partnership with the Earthquakes end at the conclusion of the 2016 USL season. Republic FC has been home to Earthquakes players such as Tommy Thompson, Adam Jahn and Mark Sherrod over the past two-and-a-half seasons, but beginning in 2017 will operate as an independent club as it continues its pursuit of joining Major League Soccer.

“On behalf of Sacramento Republic FC, it has been our honor to partner with the San Jose Earthquakes these past seasons and see the likes of Adam, Tommy, Mark and more play on our squad,” said Republic FC President Warren Smith in a club statement. “I want to personally thank Dave Kaval, John Doyle and Dominic Kinnear for their remarkable support in helping us build our roster, mentor us during our journey as a young club, and be an example of professionalism for SRFC to shoot for. But we know a bigger rivalry against the Quakes awaits us as we embark on the next chapter. Until then, we look forward to finishing this season strong and growing the beautiful game in Northern California with both the San Jose Earthquakes and Reno 1868 FC.”