MLS faces potential competition from lower division USL

USL last year launched a first-division women's league, the USL Super League, which competes separately from the established National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). In the USA, the sport's governing body the US Soccer Federation, designates standards for each division and there is nothing to stop rival leagues from being formed and operating if they meet such standards.

"Today is a defining moment for the USL and the future of soccer in the United States," Alec Papadakis, CEO of the United Soccer League said in a statement. "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," he added.

The statement did not indicate how many clubs were signed up to the proposed new division or give any plans for stadium improvements and other upgrades that would be needed to receive sanctioning approval from US Soccer. The USL currently runs a second-division league known as the USL Championship with 24 teams in cities such as Louisville, Charleston, Detroit and San Antonio. Below that USL runs the third division League One and the regionalised semi-professional USL League 2 with 128 clubs in 18 divisions.

"The USL model empowers clubs with greater autonomy and fosters a dynamic, interconnected system - one that allows them to compete at the highest level while remaining deeply rooted in their communities," said Papadakis. "Around the world, top-tier clubs thrive in cities of all sizes, and we believe the same is possible here. The demand and infrastructure are in place, and the potential for growth is immense," he added.

Major League Soccer began play in 1996 and has grown to 30 clubs, most of them with their own stadiums. As there is no promotion or relegation into the US system, the only route into MLS is via an expansion process with San Diego joining the league this season after paying a reported $500 million expansion fee.

 

February 13, 2025