MLS reveals 4 finalist cities competing for next 2 expansion teams

Major League Soccer announced Wednesday that Detroit, Cincinnati, Nashville, and Sacramento have been named the finalists for the next two expansion teams.

Officials from each city will make a formal presentation to MLS commissioner Don Garber and the league's Expansion Committee on Dec. 6 in New York.

MLS is then expected to announce the two expansion teams before the end of this year.

"The leaders of the Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville and Sacramento MLS expansion ownership groups have bold visions and innovative plans for their clubs, stadiums and their involvement in their respective communities," Garber said in statement.

"We are pleased these highly respected business and sports leaders have been so determined to bring Major League Soccer to their cities. We have been greatly encouraged by the progress that all four of these groups have made and we are looking forward to their presentations."

The four teams were selected from a group of 12 that submitted formal bids in January. However, the eight teams that were not selected will remain under consideration in the future, as the league aims to expand from 23 to 28 sides. Los Angeles Football Club, which will debut in 2018, is the latest addition as the league's 23rd franchise.