Bold Leap to Top-Tier Competition
The United Soccer League (USL) has announced ambitious plans to launch a new men’s professional league at the top level of U.S. soccer, set to kick off in 2027-28. This move would elevate the USL to the same tier as Major League Soccer (MLS), which has been the sole Division One league in the country since its inception. The USL already operates two successful leagues: the second-tier USL Championship and the third-tier USL League One. The decision to create a top-tier league represents a significant milestone in the USL’s mission to expand and enrich the soccer landscape in the United States. Alec Papadakis, CEO of the United Soccer League, emphasized the league’s commitment to fostering community engagement and creating sustainable opportunities for players and clubs. "This is a bold step forward that will not only deepen the connection between our communities and the sport but also align us more closely with the global soccer structure," Papadakis stated.
Meeting the Standards
For the new league to be recognized and sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation, the governing body of soccer in the country, it must meet a stringent set of criteria. These include having a minimum of 12 to 14 teams, stadiums that can accommodate 15,000 fans or more, and at least 75% of the teams must be based in cities with populations exceeding 1 million. Additionally, financial stability and viability are paramount, ensuring that the league can sustain itself over the long term. USL President Paul McDonough revealed that league officials have already met with U.S. Soccer, and the federation has shown support for the plan. However, the formal sanctioning process will follow once the USL has completed the necessary documentation and met all the required standards. "We’ve shared our intentions, and they are supportive. Now, we have to build the league and provide all the proper documentation to secure their sanctioning," McDonough said to The Associated Press.
A Fully Integrated Pathway
One of the key features of the new USL Division One league is its commitment to establishing a "fully integrated pathway" for clubs and players across the three divisions. This means that teams and athletes will have a clear and structured route to advance from lower-tier leagues to the top tier, fostering a more dynamic and competitive soccer ecosystem. The USL has already shown its dedication to nurturing talent and developing the sport at various levels, and the new league will further solidify this commitment. The potential for promotion-relegation, a system widely used in European soccer, is also being considered, adding an extra layer of excitement and incentive for teams in the lower divisions. This integrated pathway ensures that the best talent can rise to the highest levels of competition, while also providing a robust support system for clubs and players.
The Road to 2027-28
The coming years are crucial for the USL as it prepares to launch its new top-tier league. The application process for teams, both those already within the USL system and potential new clubs, will be a key component of this journey. Current high-performing USL Championship teams, such as Sacramento, Louisville, Phoenix, and Las Vegas, are likely candidates for promotion. Louisville’s playful social media post, "So did we just get promoted?" reflects the enthusiasm and anticipation within the soccer community. The USL will play a spring-to-fall calendar, similar to MLS, which will help align the new league with the existing top-tier structure. The absence of a college draft also signals a shift towards a more professional and international model of player recruitment.
A Busy Schedule for North American Soccer
The announcement of the USL’s new top-tier league comes at a time of significant growth and activity for soccer in North America. Over the next few years, the region will host several major international tournaments, starting with the Club World Cup in the U.S. this summer. This will be followed by the World Cup in 2026, jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, which promises to be the largest and most diverse World Cup to date. In 2028, Los Angeles will welcome the Olympic Games, further cementing the sport’s popularity and prominence. These events will provide a platform for the USL to showcase its new league and attract international attention. The timing is strategic, as it aligns with the growing interest in soccer across the continent and the need for more professional opportunities for players and clubs.
Celebrating 30 Years of MLS and Looking Forward
Major League Soccer is currently in its 30th season, with 30 teams, including the new expansion club, San Diego. The league has seen substantial growth and development over the past three decades, becoming a cornerstone of American soccer. While the USL’s new top-tier league will bring additional competition and opportunities, it also signals a broader, more inclusive approach to the sport’s development. The USL’s women’s top division, the USL Super League, which launched in August last year, is another example of the league’s commitment to growing the game. As the USL and MLS continue to evolve and expand, the future of soccer in the United States looks more promising than ever. Fans and players alike can look forward to a vibrant and competitive soccer landscape that will inspire the next generation of talent.
