MLS to face competition as USL plans to launch Division One League
The largest professional soccer organization in the United States of America ‘The United Soccer League (USL) has announced its significant plan to launch the Division One League men’s professional league with the mission of expanding the soccer landscape across the country from 2027-28 onwards.
The proposed Divison One League is set to be crowned as the highest level of professional soccer, completing the United Soccer League three-league pyramid system to ensure smooth progress for teams across the divisions. Besides, USL’s pre-existing league structure also consists of the USL Championship (2nd tier) and third tier USL League One (3rd tier) respectively.
The league will have 12 to 14 proposed teams and will act as a direct competition to the current top-tier league — Major League Soccer (MLS) The Chief executing officer of United Soccer League confirmed the project, Alec Papadakis stating, “Today is a defining moment for the United Soccer League 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.” Papadakis added.
The envisioned league promises to provide a platform for budding talents, and players to play at the ‘highest operational professional standards’ as outlined and elevate the quality of domestic leagues and competitions in the stateside. The roadmaps also ensure their focus on Promotion & relegation for the first ever in American soccer history.