The North American Soccer League announced Friday that it has reached an agreement in principle with an ownership group that will allow the Minnesota Stars to play in the league in 2013.

For the last two seasons, the league has owned and operated the team, which won the NASL title in 2011 and finished as the 2012 runner-up after losing to Tampa Bay in the title game last weekend.

In a press release, NASL commissioner David Downs said: "The team has represented Minnesota in NASL play in extraordinary fashion over the past two years despite the lack of local owners, and now we believe this will give the Stars the foundation needed to flourish for years to come."

The team is expected to hold a press conference in Minneapolis next week.