USL Announces Ambitious Plans for a New Division One League
In a groundbreaking announcement that could reshape the landscape of American soccer, the United Soccer League (USL) has confirmed its plans to launch a Division One men’s professional league in 2027. This new league aims to rival Major League Soccer (MLS) and will adhere to the sanctioning standards set by the U.S. Soccer Federation. The USL made this exciting announcement on Thursday, setting the stage for a new era in U.S. soccer.
Despite operating under the same U.S. Soccer sanctioning as MLS, the USL’s new league will function entirely independently. This separation is a strategic move to create a distinct identity and competitive environment for the USL’s top-tier league.
Alec Papadakis, CEO of the United Soccer League, expressed his enthusiasm for this bold initiative, stating, “Today is a defining moment for the USL and the future of soccer in the United States. 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 introduction of this new Division One league will elevate the USL’s structure, which currently includes the USL Championship (Division Two) and USL League One (Division Three). This tiered system is designed to redefine the development and progression of soccer talent in the United States.
In response to the USL’s announcement, U.S. Soccer released a statement later on Thursday, acknowledging the significance of this development: “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.”
One of the most intriguing aspects of the USL’s new league is its potential to introduce a promotion and relegation system, a feature that MLS does not currently employ. This system could add a new layer of excitement and competitiveness to American soccer, aligning it more closely with the global game.
Papadakis further elaborated on the USL’s vision, saying, “The USL has long been committed to creating a structure that drives growth, opportunity, and long-term success in American soccer. 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.”
The USL’s journey began in 1986 with a mission to create a comprehensive youth-to-professional pathway for both men and women across communities nationwide. This latest initiative is a continuation of that mission, building on the success of previous endeavors.
Notably, the USL has already made significant strides in women’s soccer. The organization launched a women’s pathway that includes the top-tier USL Super League (Division I), which debuted in 2024, and the USL W League, the country’s leading pre-professional women’s league, according to a news release from USL.
The USL attributes the growing interest in soccer to major upcoming events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. These events have generated excitement and increased participation rates, inspiring the further development of the league.
- USL’s new Division One league to launch in 2027
- League to operate independently from MLS
- Potential for promotion and relegation system
- USL’s commitment to community and growth
- Women’s soccer pathway already established
ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle contributed to this story.
Originally Written by: Lizzy Becherano
