A New Frontier for US Soccer
When the men’s World Cup arrives in the United States in 2026, it will showcase the nation’s largest sports venues in bustling metropolitan areas, leaving a lasting imprint on the country and the world. However, the United Soccer League (USL) sees a unique opportunity in this grand event, not just in the major cities but in the broader tapestry of American soccer. Paul McDonough, the president of USL, emphasizes the need for top-tier soccer to spread across more states and cities, underscoring the importance of grassroots development. "If we’re truly going to be a soccer nation, we need to have top-tier soccer in more states and more cities throughout the country," McDonough told The Guardian. This vision is set to materialize with the launch of a men’s Division I league in 2027, positioning USL to operate a top-tier competition parallel to Major League Soccer (MLS).
Ensuring Success Through Distinctiveness
For the new league to thrive, USL must strike a balance between aligning with successful global soccer models and maintaining a distinctly American charm. Soccer leagues in the US are often scrutinized for their adherence to the Professional League Standards (PLS) set by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), which can sometimes stifle organic growth. USL, however, has a different approach. Unlike MLS, USL is not a single-entity league, allowing its franchises greater independence. "What I like about our system is clubs have autonomy," McDonough said. "We want to give them kind of guardrails, but then they do it how they want." This flexibility is a key selling point, as it allows teams to retain their unique characters and local flavors, including team nicknames, playoffs, and unique match presentations. By setting itself apart, USL can attract a broader audience and foster a more diverse soccer culture.
Navigating the PLS and Expanding Grassroots
The PLS are crucial for maintaining professional standards, but they can also pose significant challenges for smaller clubs. To grow soccer in more communities, USL will need to work closely with the USSF to ensure the standards are flexible enough to accommodate a variety of club structures, including community-owned and member-run teams in smaller cities. The requirement for D-I league ownership, with a combined net worth of $70 million and at least one principal owner worth $40 million or more, is a high bar. McDonough acknowledges that USL Division I clubs will "try to go above and beyond" the current PLS, aiming for a well-prepared launch in 2027. "You need that proper runway to launch properly," he said. "We don’t want to do this and not have it come off with a good look, so we need ample time to build proper clubs." This careful planning is essential to ensure the league’s sustainability and to build a strong foundation for future growth.
The Bold Step of Promotion and Relegation
One of the most daring and potentially transformative ideas for the new league is the introduction of promotion and relegation. USL has already experimented with this concept in its lower divisions, including Division II (USL Championship), Division III (League One), and regional semi-pro levels (League Two). By creating a league at the top of this pyramid, USL sets the stage for teams to move between divisions based on performance. This system is not new to soccer but is a radical departure from the closed league model prevalent in American professional sports. If implemented, it would require the PLS to be even more adaptable, ensuring that smaller clubs can grow and thrive as they rise through the ranks. Additionally, teams relegated to lower divisions would need assurances of sustainability and continued support, preventing them from being forgotten and marginalized.
Widening Accessibility for Fans
Any new league’s success hinges on its ability to connect with fans, both locally and globally. Accessibility and affordability are critical factors. The PLS already mandate that all league games be broadcast via TV or streaming, but USL has the opportunity to innovate in this area. Unlike MLS’s current deal with Apple, which places most games behind a paywall, USL can explore more inclusive broadcasting options. Making these games available on channels that fans already subscribe to for other sports and international soccer leagues can significantly boost viewership. USL’s current streaming success, particularly via YouTube, is a positive sign. As national TV deals with ESPN and CBS expire in 2026 and 2027, the timing is ripe for renegotiating with the allure of ‘major league’ play in 2027. Widespread media coverage, from radio to magazines to TV, will also be crucial in breaking into the general sports landscape and attracting new fans.
An Exciting Future for US Club Soccer
The future of US club soccer is looking brighter than ever. MLS is entering its 30th season, and the country now hosts two professional women’s leagues simultaneously. Furthermore, some of the world’s best male and female players are concluding their careers in the US, adding to the sport’s prestige. The proposed new men’s league by USL is a bold move that could reshape the US soccer ecosystem. By focusing on local engagement, maintaining American quirkiness, and introducing promotion and relegation, USL aims to deepen soccer’s footprint across the nation. If successful, this new league will not only enhance the quality of soccer but also foster a more inclusive and vibrant soccer culture, making the sport more accessible and exciting for fans everywhere.
