MLS NEXT Adds a Tier 2 To Its League

MLS NEXT has announced an expansion of the league to include more clubs and provide opportunities for additional players.

Starting in the fall 2025 season, selected clubs will get to compete in the following:

• Regular season games
• Regional tournaments
• Some MLS NEXT national events (such as MLS NEXT Fest)

“This expansion will provide opportunities for thousands of additional players and coaches, allowing member clubs greater flexibility to align team travel and scheduling, optimize player pools, and more effectively allocate club resources.” – MLS NEXT

Who Will Manage the New Tier?

MLS has partnered with league operators to manage the new program. They will adhere to a set of standards set forth by the league.

Operators include:

• National Academy League (NAL) – operated by 3Step Soccer
• Elite Academy League (EAL)
• Sporting Development League (SDL)
• Cobalt Sports
• Cal North Soccer Association

League Structure

Member clubs in the new program will compete in one of eight regional tournaments each season, with some age groups also able to attend MLS NEXT Fest in December.

These regional tournaments will act as qualifiers for the MLS NEXT Cup in 2026.

The events are designed to attract college, professional, and national team scouts. This gives more visibility to more players across the country.

Additionally, players in this new tier can still enjoy playing high school soccer, giving them the best of both worlds

My Thoughts

The above is what we know so far, and here’s what I anticipate…

For existing MLS NEXT teams:

• There will likely be more separation between MLS Academies and other MLS NEXT teams within the same region.
• Non-Academy teams will continue competing regionally but will benefit from access to more local competition.

For Tier 2 clubs:

• Teams will have the opportunity to face new regional opponents and test themselves against top competition.
• Players will gain valuable visibility within MLS NEXT, offering exposure to a broader network of teams and clubs.

Done right, this expansion will help strengthen overall competition and grow the player pool. This will also break down barriers between currently segregated leagues.

I think it’s a great move, as long as the MLS Academies stay involved and don’t break away to form their own separate system.