Before it was founded, it was originally supposed to be called FC Rotor-Volgograd Volgograd (to keep Rotor's name around at the time FC Rotor Volgograd was close to bankruptcy).

It took over the license of FC Olimpia Volgograd, who were having financial difficulties at the time.

In 2010, FC Vityaz Podolsk gave up their place in the Russian First Division.

FC Volgograd was then offered a spot and agreed to take it.

[1] On February 8, 2010, it was announced that the club was to be renamed to FC Rotor Volgograd (the previous club under that name went bankrupt during the 2009 season).