‘Defining Moment’: USL Unveils Plans For Div. I League, Taking On MLS Territory
Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 03:01PM By Barry Janoff
February 13, 2025: As Major League Soccer embarks on its 30th anniversary season, the United Soccer League unveiled plans to launch a Div. I men’s professional league in 2027-28.
According to the USL, which was founded in 1986, the new league will bring “the highest-level of soccer to more communities across the country.”
“The demand and infrastructure are in place, and the potential for growth is immense,” Alec Papadakis, CEO, said via the USL.
Div. I MLS began play in 1996 and enters the 2025 season with 30 clubs in the U.S. and Canada.
“I don’t think of it as a threat to the MLS,” Paul McDonough, USL president and chief soccer officer, told The Guardian. “I think we’re just gonna go and do our business.”
According to overseeing body U.S. Soccer Federation via the organization, "The continued investment into the game reflects the strength of the United States as a soccer country, which will only accelerate as we build towards hosting the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“We welcome innovation and growth to the landscape of American soccer and we look forward to learning more."
The USL said interest in soccer in the U.S. is at an “all-time high, fueled by rising participation rates, increased media exposure, and growing anticipation for major international events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
“As North America prepares to host these global tournaments, the sport is at a pivotal moment, creating unparalleled opportunities to invest in its long-term future.”
“Today is a defining moment for the USL and the future of soccer in the United States,” said Papadakis. 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.”
This past August, USL launched the USL Super League, a Div. I pro women’s soccer league with eight clubs.
USL also oversees Div. II USL Championship with 24 teams, Div. 3 League One and the regionalized semi-professional USL League 2 with 128 clubs in 18 divisions.
USL plans to move several clubs up from USL Championship into the new Div. I league, including Louisville, Sacramento, Indianapolis, Phoenix and Las Vegas, according to industry analysts.
According to USSF, Div. I leagues must have at least 12 teams, located across the Eastern, Central and Pacific time zones.
At least 75% of the teams must be located in metropolitan markets with no fewer than million people.
League stadiums must be enclosed with a minimum seating capacity of 15,000.
The league must meet numerous standards of financial viability, including “ownership groups that can demonstrate the financial capability to operate a team for at least five years.”
The Div. I league must also have a "broadcast contract, full-time team staff for each club and a full-time league operations staff."
According to the USL, “This initiative builds on the USL’s commitment to grow the game at all levels, provide new opportunities for players, teams, and fans, and strengthen the foundation of American soccer at a time when the sport is experiencing unprecedented momentum.
“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 USL has long been committed to creating a structure that drives growth, opportunity, and long-term success in American soccer,” said Papadakis.
“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.”
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