MLS NEXT Expands with Seven New Clubs
The Major League Soccer (MLS) NEXT program has announced the addition of seven new clubs that will join its top-tier competition starting in the 2025-26 season. This expansion marks a significant milestone, bringing the total number of states represented in the program to 34. One of the most exciting new additions is Tulsa Greenwood SC, the first MLS NEXT club from Oklahoma. The program, designed to develop top young talent in North America, continues to grow and solidify its reputation as one of the world’s premier platforms for player development.
A Thoughtful Commitment to Player Development
Kyle Albrecht, the General Manager of MLS NEXT, expressed his enthusiasm about the new clubs, stating, "These clubs demonstrated a thoughtful commitment to player development that will be extremely valuable to our program. We are excited to welcome all the expansion clubs that will be joining across both MLS NEXT tiers and look forward to the impact they will make." Albrecht’s comments highlight the rigorous selection process that ensures new clubs not only meet the high standards of MLS NEXT but also bring a fresh and innovative approach to nurturing young talent. The expansion underscores the program’s dedication to fostering a robust and diverse player development ecosystem.
Notable Graduates of MLS NEXT
MLS NEXT has already produced several notable graduates who are making waves in professional soccer. Among them are Benjamin Cremaschi of Inter Miami and Aron John of Charlotte. Cremaschi, known for his technical skills and strategic vision, has quickly become a key player for Inter Miami, while John has made a name for himself with his exceptional speed and agility. These success stories serve as a testament to the program’s effectiveness and its ability to identify and develop young talent at the highest levels of the game.
The Full List of New Clubs
The seven new clubs joining MLS NEXT in the 2025-26 season are:
- ALBION SC Colorado (Boulder/Denver)
- Chattanooga FC (Chattanooga, Tennessee)
- Huntsville City FC (Huntsville, Alabama)
- Michigan Futbol Academy (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
- Northern Virginia Alliance (Leesburg, Virginia)
- The Football Academy (Florham Park, New Jersey)
- Tulsa Greenwood SC (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Each of these clubs brings a unique strength to the program, ranging from strong community ties and robust training facilities to innovative coaching methodologies. The inclusion of clubs from diverse regions ensures a more comprehensive and competitive development environment for young players.
New Competitive Landscape and Division Structure
MLS NEXT has also unveiled the new division structure and teams that will participate in the expanded competitive landscape, which was initially announced last month. The program will feature over 1,200 teams from 220 clubs, organized into divisions based on geographic regions to enhance local competition and reduce travel time for young players. This strategic approach aims to create a more balanced and efficient development system.
The divisions are managed and operated by various organizations, including the National Academy League (NAL) operated by 3Step Soccer, the Elite Academy League (EAL), the Sporting Development League (SDL), Cobalt Sports, and Cal North Soccer Association. The detailed breakdown of the divisions is as follows:
- New England (Operated by National Academy League)
- Tri-State (Operated by National Academy League)
- Mid-Atlantic (Operated by National Academy League)
- Carolinas (Operated by National Academy League)
- South (Operated by National Academy League)
- Sunshine (Operated by National Academy League)
- Pioneer (Operated by Cobalt Sports)
- Heartland (Operated by Sporting Development League)
- Great Lakes (Operated by National Academy League)
- North (Operated by National Academy League)
- Pacific Northwest (Operated by Elite Academy League)
- Mountain (Operated by Elite Academy League)
- Northern California (Operated by Cal North Soccer Association)
- Desert (Operated by Cobalt Sports)
- Southern California (Operated by Elite Academy League)
Impact on Player Development
The expansion and restructuring of MLS NEXT are expected to have a profound impact on player development across North America. By incorporating clubs from new regions, the program can tap into previously underserved talent pools, providing more young players with access to elite training and competition. This inclusive approach not only benefits the individual players but also strengthens the overall quality of the program, ensuring that the next generation of soccer stars has the best possible foundation.
Moreover, the divisional breakdown allows for a more tailored development experience. Regional competitions mean that young players can focus on honing their skills against local rivals, which can be both more manageable and more relevant to their immediate environment. This structure also helps clubs build stronger community ties, fostering a supportive atmosphere that encourages player growth and retention.
Looking Forward
As MLS NEXT prepares for its expanded 2025-26 season, the soccer community is abuzz with anticipation. The program’s ability to consistently produce top-tier talent, combined with its commitment to innovation and inclusivity, sets it apart as a leader in youth soccer development. The addition of clubs like Tulsa Greenwood SC and the restructuring of the divisional system promise to bring even more excitement and excellence to the program.
The future of North American soccer looks bright with the continued growth and evolution of MLS NEXT. As these new clubs integrate into the program, they bring fresh ideas and perspectives, contributing to a dynamic and ever-improving environment for young players. The soccer world eagerly awaits the impact these changes will have, and the emergence of new stars from this expanded and restructured platform.
