Louisville City FC has commissioned a feasibility study for the construction of a football-specific stadium in a bid to gain entry into Major League Soccer.

The Kentucky-based professional football team, which currently plays in the United Soccer League (USL), has enlisted Minneapolis planning firm Conventions, Sports & Leisure International (CSL) to conduct the US$75,000 (£51,492, €68,893) study.

Unveiled by the City of Louisville and its mayor Greg Fischer, the study will investigate the physical, operational and financial characteristics for building a new stadium in the city, taking into account four potential sites, including downtown Louisville.

Louisville City FC president Amanda Duffy said the plan “illustrates the decisive action that we’re all taking to achieve the ambition of bringing the highest level of professional sports” to the region. The team currently plays at the Louisville Slugger Field, which it shares with baseball team, the Louisville Bats.

MLS has indicated that it is considering expanding to 28 teams over the coming years. It has committed to increasing its membership to 24 teams by 2020, with Atlanta, Los Angeles and Minnesota providing franchises in the next three years.

Sacramento Republic and a David Beckham-backed Miami-based franchise are among the clubs also eyeing up a place in the US’s top football league.

If built, the Louisville arena will be put forward to host international football matches, concerts, festivals and “other community gatherings”.

If the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau approves the study it will then launch an additional study which will look at the feasibility of building an amateur and youth sports complex in the proximity, which would offer local people the chance to play football, lacrosse, field hockey, baseball and softball.

Louisville Forward, the city’s office of economic development, is collaborating with CSL on the study, although timelines for the project are yet to be detailed.

“From a business perspective, having a multiple high-energy spectator sports like Louisville City FC helps with talent attraction and retention,” said Kent Oyler, president and chief executive of Greater Louisville.