CSN Bay Area

The 49ers were announced Thursday night as the newest investor in the effort to bring Major League Soccer to Sacramento.

"The newest investor to the Sac Republic who will join our efforts to secure Major League Soccer in Sacramento is none other than the San Francisco 49er owner...Jed York," Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said in his State of the City address.

The Sacramento Republic FC, who currently play in the USL-PRO soccer league, are in contention for an MLS expansion franchise. The 49ers reportedly joined Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive with a similar undisclosed investment in the soccer franchise.

[RELATED: Kings purchase stake in Sacramento Republic FC, eye MLS]

"We have more 49ers season ticket holders in Sacramento than we do in San Francisco," York told the media after Johnson’s announcement. The 49ers opened Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara in the fall. The $1.3 billion stadium has a capacity of 68,500 fans.

"We're here to come to win," York said. "And I think we have a great opportunity to do it. And we're going to pull it together. I'm really excited. I think the time is now for an MLS franchise for Sacramento.”