Why Doesn’t the MLS Buy the USL? Understanding Their Relationship

Priyansh Bhatt March 17, 2025March 19, 2025 MLS, United Soccer League

American Soccer has been evolving over the years, and as several new fans keep joining the scene, it becomes confusing for them to know which soccer league to follow. While the Major League Soccer (MLS) is the most prominent soccer league in the United States, many new fans might not know about the United Soccer League (USL), which is another crucial soccer league in the United States along with the MLS. Join us as we take a deep look into the world of USL, understand the relationship between MLS and USL, and know why the MLS doesn’t buy the USL and become the richest soccer league in America.

How MLS and USL Have Evolved

USL has various divisions under it (Image Credits: X/USL_HQ)

The United Soccer League (USL) is a sports governing authority that organizes several professional soccer leagues in the United States. The USL is primarily responsible for the lower division of soccer in the United States, including the Championship, League One, and League Two. It began back in 1986 and over the years has evolved with several men’s and women’s competitions. The USL Championship is the second division of soccer in the United States and has a regular season and playoffs to crown a new champion. The USL League is the third division of professional-level soccer in the US and was launched in 2019 to focus on amateur player development. League Two is a developmental territory for USL featuring College players who aspire to become professional players in the future.

The USL used to have a First Division, which was the top-tier soccer league organized by USL but was changed to USL Pro and ultimately changed into the USL Championship. On the other hand, Major League Soccer is the topmost level of the United States Soccer League system and is the highest division of professional soccer in the country. It was started in 1993 and started its first season in 1996 with ten teams. Over the years, MLS has grown to be a global phenomenon with several high-profile players joining the league making it more prestigious than ever.

Also Read: What Is the Average MLS Salary? A Breakdown of Player Wages

USL vs MLS: What is the Difference?

MLS involves spots for the CONCACAF Championship (Image Credits: X/usasupersoccer)

While MLS and USL are American soccer leagues, the main difference lies between the level and distinctions both leagues have. Categorized as the highest division of soccer by the US Soccer Federation, MLS is the Division One league. Being at the highest level gives the league direct spots for the CONCACAF Champions Cup and overall media rights making it more popular around the world. On the other hand, USL is categorized as a lower division of soccer by the US Soccer Federation. Having lower market requirements and media rights, these leagues are inferior to the MLS.

MLS and USL have huge global recognition given the amount of teams and level of matches both the leagues put on display each week. However, MLS has a slight edge over USL in terms of overall popularity and branding given its tremendous fan following thanks to several high-profile players in the league. Since the arrival of greats like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Olivier Giroud, Gareth Bale and Lionel Messi, MLS has gained a lot of fan following over the years and continues to be a global phenomenon in the American Soccer system.

Why MLS has No Plans to Acquire USL?

MLS already has a youth development system (Image Credits: X/UNCmenssoccer)

MLS is currently the highest professional division of American soccer and has expanded itself over the years. Starting from ten teams in 1996, the MLS has a total of 30 teams as of now and continues to make way for new teams inviting more competition and better exposure. MLS Next and MLS Pro are two subparts of MLS started for the development of youth players and organizing a better playing environment for young and upcoming players. As MLS already has established plans for the youth and also continues to expand globally, acquiring USL would not add any benefit and ultimately cost them a lot of money.

The MLS Takeover might be generational for USL, but given the expenditure and exposure it will get, it would be a risky task to acquire USL and take a chance. On the other hand, USL aims to establish itself at the level of MLS and create a new top division of American Soccer with better media rights and overall development.

ALSO READ: Inside MLS Next: A Comprehensive Overview

What Happens if MLS buys USL?

Given that MLS is the leading soccer league in the USA, it would be a phenomenal move to buy the USL and acquire its rights. If MLS buys the USL, the American Soccer system would be redefined hence creating more opportunities for players and staff. It would generate more employment and a better playing atmosphere for veterans as well as youth players. With so much in the mix, it might create compatibility issues for both leagues and lead to financial conflicts. With strategic partnerships and better management, the MLS takeover might be a beneficial move for the American Soccer scene, however, things can go south if things don’t go as planned.

What is the Future Plan of MLS and USL?

USL aims to expand to a new Division One in the future (Image Credits: X/ozarkunitedfc)

The MLS continues to make several improvements in its overall game plan and league system and aims to offer a more improved and well-managed league system for youth in the future. The MLS NEXT program is a huge step taken by MLS to provide better opportunities focusing on overall player development for future greats. The MLS NEXT includes postseason competitions, leagues, and various development regimes and matches to grow a youth player into a veteran. Apart from high-profile training, the MLS NEXT and MLS Pro programs offer education and other amenities to soccer players between the ages of 13 and 19 across the United States and Canada.

On the other hand, the USL aims to move further ahead of being the organizer for the second and third divisions of American soccer. It aims to launch a Division One soccer league competing with its rivals MLS to get to the highest level of soccer in the United States. The new league format is expected to start from the 2027-28 season and operate as a high-profile and top-tier soccer league along with the MLS. As both the organizing bodies look to expand themselves in the future, the American soccer scene will be enjoyable yet exciting to watch as a viewer. On the other hand, it would be a land of opportunities for several young players pursuing soccer as their profession.

ALSO READ: MLS Expansion Teams And The Process Behind League Growth

FAQs

Can USL go to MLS?

USL cannot predominantly work under MLS as they are aiming to start their new top-division league in 2027.

What is bigger, USL or MLS?

In terms of popularity and overall market revenue, MLS is bigger than USL worldwide.

Is USL better than MLS Next?

Both leagues provide certain opportunities for youth players to perform at the topmost level, so it is hard to choose one.

Can a team go from USL to MLS?

Yes, USL teams can be acquired by MLS, and over the years, trams like Orlando City SC, FC Cincinnati and Nashville SC have moved from USL to MLS.

Is USL trying to compete with MLS?

Yes, USL is aiming to start their top division soccer league competing with the MLS from the 2027-28 season.

Has MLS ever worked with USL in the past?

Yes, MLS and USL had a partnership that started in 2014 where MLS clubs had reserve teams in the USL Championship and USL League One.

Would a merger between MLS and USL help US Soccer?

While the merger might be beneficial for better opportunities and talent generation, it can create several conflicts if not managed properly hence it might not help the US Soccer scene.