The United Soccer League (USL) is set to introduce a new Division One men's professional soccer league in the 2027-28 season, challenging Major League Soccer (MLS) as the premier soccer competition in the United States. The USL aims to expand access to top-level soccer, foster a more integrated pathway for players and clubs, and contribute to the growth and sustainability of the sport nationwide.
The United Soccer League ( USL ) is poised to launch a new men's professional soccer league in the 2027-28 season, aiming to establish itself as the top-tier league in the United States. This ambitious move comes as the USL seeks to expand its reach and elevate the sport within the country. Currently, Major League Soccer ( MLS ) holds the sole position as the nation's top-tier soccer league.
The new league, envisioned to encompass 12 to 14 teams, will offer top-level competition to more communities and provide a platform for growth and development for players, clubs, and fans alike. The USL emphasized its commitment to fostering a comprehensive and integrated pathway for clubs and players across its three divisions: the USL Championship (second tier), the USL League One (third tier), and the new Division One league. This strategic alignment aims to create a more cohesive and structured soccer ecosystem within the U.S. Alec Papadakis, CEO of the USL, stated, 'Creating a Division One league is a bold step forward, expanding access to top-tier competition, deepening the connection between our communities and taking another step in aligning with the structure of the global game.'The USL's plans have received preliminary support from U.S. Soccer, the governing body that sets standards for the sport. To gain official sanctioning for the new league, the USL will need to demonstrate that it meets U.S. Soccer's requirements, including a minimum of 12 teams, stadiums with a capacity of 15,000 or more, and a presence in cities with populations exceeding 1 million. Financial viability will also be a crucial factor in the sanctioning process. Paul McDonough, USL President, confirmed that league officials have engaged in discussions with U.S. Soccer, expressing their intention to launch the new league. The process is ongoing, and the USL is committed to fulfilling all necessary criteria for sanctioning.
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