MLS expected to unveil Nashville expansion side Wednesday

Nashville appears set to become the newest home of Major League Soccer, as the league unveiled plans for "an important announcement on the future of soccer in Nashville" in a statement Tuesday.

Commissioner Don Garber and members of a Nashville expansion franchise bid will be present at an unveiling event at the Country Music Hall of Fame on Wednesday. Tennessee governor Bill Haslam and Nashville mayor Megan Barry will also be present.

An expansion bid fronted by billionaire John R. Ingram, with additional support from Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf, is one of four finalists for two new teams alongside submissions from Sacramento, Cincinnati, and Detroit.

Once a long shot for an expansion outfit, the Nashville bid emerged as the favorite in light of approval for a plan between Ingram and the city to build a $250-million, 27,500-seat stadium just south of the downtown core at the Nashville Fairgrounds.

Plans are for Nashville and the other successful bid to join the league for the 2020 season as the North American top flight expands to 26 teams. Los Angeles FC is set to kick-off its maiden campaign next season.