The United Football League (USL) plans to launch a new Division One Men’s Professional league to enhance its soccer presence in the U.S. and provide more access to high-level soccer. Currently, the USL operates the USL Championship and USL League One, but the new league aims to create a competing entity to Major League Soccer (MLS) by the 2027-28 season, establishing a three-tiered system with potential promotion and relegation.
USL President Paul McDonough emphasized that this step follows the league’s strategy to expand after the 2026 World Cup, noting the disparity between U.S. soccer and the number of clubs in countries like the UK. The new league will require 12-14 teams in major metropolitan areas, with stadiums holding at least 15,000 fans and various financial viability standards.
This initiative marks the first attempt to create a separate Division One league in the U.S. since the NASL in 2016. McDonough stated that despite legal holds, the USL is ready to move forward with its plans for a top-tier league, engaging with U.S. soccer officials for support. Multiple teams are expected to transition from USL Championship to this new league, including those from markets like Sacramento and Louisville.
In addition, the USL has started a women’s league, the USL Super League, complementing existing women’s soccer options. This push reflects the USL’s commitment to developing soccer infrastructure and attracting investors with lower entry costs compared to MLS. USL’s approach allows teams to operate independently, differing from MLS’s single-entity structure. The objective is to foster a more vibrant soccer ecosystem in the U.S. and establish a sustainable first-division league that connects communities through the sport.
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