USL Continues Expansion With Division I League Announcement
The new USL league would compete with MLS much like the USL Super League competes with the NWSL. Fans wonder if this means Promotion/Relegation is coming to the U.S.
Yesterday, the United Soccer League (USL) announced plans to launch a Division I men’s professional soccer league in 2027-28, a move reflecting the organization’s increased ambition to compete at the highest levels of United States soccer - and the possibility for European-style promotion and relegation between USL leagues.
USL President Paul McDonough has confirmed in interviews that the expanded USL may adopt a promotion and relegation mechanic. Additionally, at least two USL Championship clubs Soccer Sheet spoke with are ready to make the move to Division I Soccer.
“Today is a defining moment for the USL and the future of soccer in the United States,” said Alec Papadakis, CEO of the United Soccer League. “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. By uniting people through soccer and bringing Division One to more cities, we’re not just growing the sport—we’re creating lasting opportunities while building a more sustainable and vibrant soccer ecosystem in the U.S.”
The new men’s league would join the USL Super League, the Division I women’s professional soccer league that launched last year, as a top-tier soccer league in the United States. Just like how the Super League is on the same tier as the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the USL Division One league would be on the same tier as Major League Soccer (MLS).
MLS representatives did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
The USL points to growing anticipation for major international events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles as reasons why they see this as the right time for expansion.
“The USL has long been committed to creating a structure that drives growth, opportunity, and long-term success in American soccer,” Papadakis added. “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. 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.”
USL Adding to a Large Footprint
There are currently 24 USL Championship teams (with nine expansion clubs announced), 14 USL League One teams (with four expansion clubs announced), and 144 USL League Two teams. Many candidate clubs for the new league are already in the USL Championship league, including Louisville City FC, Detroit City FC, Sacramento Republic FC, Las Vegas Lights, and Indy Eleven.
After the announcement, Louisville City FC knowingly asked, “So did we just get promoted?” on its social media accounts.
“The new league will serve as a platform for both rising and established players to compete at the highest operational professional standards in the U.S., further elevating the quality of play within the USL and the level of the domestic player pool for international competitions,” the Instagram post continued.
A spokesperson for Louisville City told Soccer Sheet that he expects the club to compete at the highest possible level of USL.
“Our ownership group has advocated for higher level soccer in USL,” said Jonathan Lintner, vice president of communications for Louisville City FC. “We’re ready-made and we’re at that level, and this is an opportunity that I definitely see us pursuing.
A source from another USL Championship club told Soccer Sheet they are excited for the news and see their club as another candidate to move to Division One.
Buy-in from the clubs is important. Sources within USL’s league office tell us that while the new structure opens the door to promotion and relegation, it would have to be approved by the club owners - the league is not the sole decision maker. And while the USL will be adopting an international format, sources do not expect the USL Division One league or their other existing men’s professional leagues to adopt the international August-May calendar like the USL Super League.
Additionally, our sources expect that promotion and relegation, if adopted, would only apply to USL’s professional leagues: Division One, Championship, and League One. They don’t expect USL League Two to be part of a pro/rel scheme.
The 2024 USL League Two club of the year is fine with that.
“While the club believes and supports anything that helps to provide more opportunities for soccer in the country, we’re solely focused on our upcoming season,” said Tim Blekicki of Asheville City SC.
Competing with MLS?
While USL Division One will be on the same tier of the U.S. Soccer Pyramid as MLS, that doesn’t mean it will immediately have the same level of talent. What the new league will do, however, is open up new opportunities for top tier soccer in America - just like the USL Super League has done for women players.
In a recent interview, Carolina Ascent FC goalkeeper Meagan McClelland spoke with Soccer Sheet about the new doors that were open for her and other women players by having two Division I leagues - NWSL and Super League - in the U.S. As a backup goalkeeper in NWSL, McClelland wasn’t getting the playing time she needed for her professional development.
“[In NWSL], I probably wouldn't get minutes for a couple of years,” said McClelland. “Or now there's this new league that is giving women the opportunity to make a living wage, stay in their home country and play. And I was like, this is amazing, because there's only maybe 350 spots in the NWSL for ages 14 all the way to 40.”
“[Once the Super League was starting], I was like, ‘Oh, I want to be part of this.’ It's a new league and I wanted to get my foot in the door right away,” McClelland added.
With 30 clubs and 30 roster spots per first team, MLS can only employ 900 top-tier players at any give time. 241 of those slots are available for international players, further shrinking the number of top-tier players who can stay in the U.S.
A USL Division One League would add at least 12 teams and over 300 more roster slots for top tier players. It could also mean greater investment in USL teams from their communities; currently, Louisville City FC has one of the few stadiums with enough capacity for a Division I league.
“I think this [announcement] will inspire other markets,” said Lintner. “If this is the type of news that can inspire other markets and ownership groups and communities to build [more stadiums] around the country, that’s going to be a great thing for soccer and a great thing for USL.
A spokesperson for the United Soccer League told Soccer Sheet that the new structure introduced yesterday validates USL’s development pathway, and that both the league and owners are in talks about how the structure would allow for promotion and relegation in U.S. Soccer. The USL sees the new structure as a way to improve the sport in the U.S. and increase its reach.
Additionally, the USL spokesperson told us that having an international structure and a clearer pyramid with more teams in more diverse communities will help U.S. Soccer better compete with other countries - all the way to the World Cup.
"Who's to say we can't find the next Messi in one of these communities?" said the spokesperson.
The USL Division One FAQ
The USL provided answers to expected questions about the launch in a press release:
WHAT IS THE USL’S NEW MEN’S DIVISION ONE LEAGUE?
The United Soccer League (USL) is launching a Division One men’s professional league, the highest level of professional soccer in the U.S. as defined by the U.S. Soccer Federation. This new league will expand access to top-tier competition, elevate the quality of play, and bring professional soccer to more communities nationwide.
HOW DOES THIS NEW LEAGUE FIT INTO THE USL ECOSYSTEM?
The USL is the first and only soccer organization to offer a comprehensive youth-to-professional pathway for both men and women under one ecosystem.
The new Division One league will complete the men’s three-tier professional system, providing a seamless pathway for clubs and players to compete at the highest level (see below).
WHY IS THIS THE RIGHT TIME TO LAUNCH A MEN’S DIVISION ONE PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE?
Soccer in the U.S. is experiencing unprecedented momentum, with rising participation, increased media exposure, and global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics fueling interest. The USL’s new men’s Division One league will:
Provide more opportunities for players, teams, front office, and communities.
Strengthen competition and player development.
Align more closely with the global structure of the sport.
Grow the game
WHAT WILL THE DIVISION ONE LEAGUE BE NAMED?
Over the next several months, we’ll be sharing more details about the new Division One league – including the official name and brand. Stay tuned by following USL on our social media channels for the latest news and league updates.
HOW WILL YOU SELECT DIVISION ONE TEAMS?
Prospective Division One teams must meet specific standards laid out by the U.S. Soccer Federation and the USL. In the coming months, we will have an application process that prospective teams can review and plan towards.
WHAT MAKES USL DIVISION ONE DIFFERENT?
The USL’s club-centric model gives teams greater autonomy and flexibility, fostering sustainable growth. The new Men’s Division One league will prioritize:
Deep community ties – Bringing professional soccer to more markets, including mid-sized cities.
Pathway development – Supporting player and club progression across all levels.
Competitive excellence – Ensuring high collective standards for play, operations, and fan engagement.
WHEN WILL THE NEW MEN’S DIVISION ONE LEAGUE LAUNCH?
Details on the launch timeline, competition format, and participating clubs will be announced in the coming months. Stay tuned for updates.
WHAT IMPACT WILL THIS HAVE ON SOCCER IN THE U.S.?
The launch of a Men’s Division One league will:
Expand access to top-tier men’s professional soccer in more cities.
Create more opportunities for American players, teams, and fans.
Strengthen the domestic player pool ahead of major international competitions.
Enhance the overall soccer ecosystem and drive sustainable growth.