Founded in 2015, Reno 1868 FC plays in the USL Championship league and is the top affiliate of the San Jose Earthquakes. The club has been coached by Ian Russell for all three seasons.

Reno made its USL Championship debut in 2017. In its inaugural season, the club went 17-7-8 and made it to the first round of the USL Cup Playoffs.

Also in its inaugural season, Reno 1868 FC forward Dane Kelly was awarded the 2017 USL Golden boot after scoring 18 goals in the regular season. Midfielder Chris Wehan was also named the 2017 USL Rookie of the Year and Assist Champion, breaking the USL single-season record of 12 assists. 

In 2018, the club went 16-7-11 and made it to the Western Conference Semifinals in the 2018 USL Cup Playoffs. Also in 2018, forward Brian Brown broke the record for all-time goals scored for the club with 17 goals.