Lexington is getting a United Soccer League expansion club

Watch out Louisville City FC, you’ve now got some competition in the world of Kentucky soccer. Lexington, KY is getting its own United Soccer League expansion club.

In a press conference held on Tuesday (and first teased by KSR’s Ryan Lemond), the USL announced that the city of Lexington will be the home of the newest League One expansion club. The team’s debut season is expected for 2023.

"Lexington has a rich and storied tradition of sporting excellence, from the racetrack to the hardwood and beyond."

Lexington Pro Soccer is here ⚽ pic.twitter.com/Ox89pReOZD

— Lexington Pro Soccer (@ProSoccerLex) October 5, 2021

Initially, the team will play at a local collegiate facility, but there are plans of building a dedicated stadium right next to Rupp Arena in downtown Lexington. A training facility could also be coming in the Fayette County area. The majority owner of the new club is Bill Shively, who founded Tower Hill Sports in Lexington.

“This is an exciting moment for USL League One, the city of Lexington, and Central Kentucky,” USL President Jake Edwards said in the press release. “Since League One’s inception, Lexington is a place we’ve wanted to be because of its celebrated sports history and growing appetite for soccer. With tremendous leadership in Bill Shively, Vince Gabbert and Tower Hill Sports, this club will create a new source of great pride for the people of Lexington and the Central Kentucky region.”

The USL League One currently has 12 teams with Lexington one of five cities planned for expansion. Fresno (CA), Windsor (CO), Fort Wayne (IN), and Spokane (WA) will also host League One clubs.

The Lexington club plans to heavily use future fans and local residents to help decide the brand and crest, which will ideally “reflect the energy, culture and diversity of the whole Lexington community.”

Whatever name the club comes up with, it will start out in the league’s second division–Louisville FC is in the top division. The USL is in the tier below Major League Soccer (MLS), which is the top level of soccer in North America. You can learn more about the club here.

Let’s hear your team name suggestions…