USL Announces Plans for New Division I Soccer League to Launch in 2027

BySoccerNovo Editorial Team Published on
USL Announces Plans for New Division I Soccer League to Launch in 2027

American soccer is about to get a major shake-up as the United Soccer Leagues (USL) throws its hat into the top-tier ring, challenging the status quo of US professional soccer.

TL;DR:

  • The United Soccer Leagues (USL) plans to create a new Division I league that will operate at the same tier as Major League Soccer (MLS), aiming to launch in 2027.
  • USL President Paul McDonough emphasizes this is not meant to compete with MLS, but rather to expand professional soccer’s reach into smaller markets and middle America.
  • The new league will need to meet strict USSF requirements, including having at least 12 teams playing in 15,000+ seat stadiums, with 75% of teams in metro areas of 1 million or more people.

The United Soccer Leagues (USL) is set to make a bold move in American soccer by announcing plans for a new Division I league, positioning itself alongside Major League Soccer (MLS) at the highest level of professional soccer in the United States.

This expansion would complete USL’s coverage across all levels of men’s soccer, adding to their existing portfolio:

  • Division II USL Championship
  • Division III USL League One
  • Semi-pro USL League Two
  • Youth leagues

USL president Paul McDonough emphasizes that this move isn’t about competing with MLS, but rather about growing the sport in underserved markets. “This is about us and it’s about us building a higher tier because we wanna be in certain communities,” McDonough stated. “Why can’t it be in middle America and smaller communities, why can’t Division I teams be there and be successful?”

The new league must meet substantial requirements set by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), including:

  • A minimum of 12 teams at launch, expanding to 14 by year three
  • Teams must play in stadiums with at least 15,000 seats
  • 75% of teams must be in metropolitan areas with populations of 1 million or more
  • Team owners must meet specific financial criteria, including a principal owner with a minimum net worth of $40 million

While promotion and relegation isn’t immediately planned, McDonough indicated openness to the possibility in the future. The league also hopes to participate in the Concacaf Champions Cup, though this remains to be confirmed.

Analysis and Insights

  1. Market Opportunity: The timing of this announcement is strategic, coming as MLS appears to be slowing its expansion after reaching 30 teams. With MLS expansion fees reaching $500 million, USL could position itself as a more accessible entry point for potential team owners.
  2. Geographic Strategy: USL’s focus on middle America and smaller markets could fill a significant gap in professional soccer coverage. This approach mirrors successful models in other countries where multiple professional leagues serve different market sizes and regions.
  3. Economic Impact: By creating a new Division I league with potentially lower entry costs than MLS, USL could attract a different tier of investors and create new economic opportunities in markets that might not support an MLS team.
  4. Competition Structure: While the league isn’t planning immediate promotion/relegation, the creation of a complete pyramid structure under USL’s control could make this a possibility in the future – something that would be unique in modern US soccer history.
  5. Growth Potential: The comparison to Europe’s 400+ top-flight teams suggests significant room for growth in US professional soccer, though demographic and cultural differences will need to be carefully considered for successful implementation.

As USL embarks on this bold venture, its success could reshape the American soccer landscape and finally bring top-tier professional soccer to the communities that need it most!

Featured image source: https://www.uslsoccer.com/

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