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The United Soccer League (USL) is set to launch a Division One men's professional league in 2027, challenging MLS with a new top-tier competition.
Major League Soccer (MLS) looks set to get some serious competition.
The United Soccer League (USL) has officially announced plans to launch a new Division One men's professional league in 2027, which will rival MLS while operating independently under the sanctioning of the U.S. Soccer Federation.
The MLS is home to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami side, who won the MLS Supporter’s shield last season.
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The move is being hailed as a major milestone for American football, setting the stage for a brand-new era in the sport.
A game-changing move
The USL’s decision to introduce a Division One league represents a shift in the American football landscape, creating more high-level competition outside of MLS.
Alec Papadakis, CEO of the United Soccer League, described the announcement as a landmark moment.
"Today is a defining moment for the USL and the future of soccer in the United States," Papadakis stated as per ESPN.
"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."
Unlike MLS, which follows a franchise-based model with no promotion or relegation, the USL aims to foster a system that allows clubs to progress through the ranks based on performance.
Papadakis further explained, "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."
The future of American soccer
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With the United States set to host the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, there has been a significant surge in football interest.
U.S. Soccer acknowledged the importance of this development, stating, "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 these major events."
The USL, which was founded in 1986, has been instrumental in growing the sport across various levels, including its women's pathway, which introduced the USL Super League (Division One) in 2024.
With the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics expected to drive further engagement, USL’s expansion into Division One could reshape American football for years to come.
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