What Does MLS NEXT 2 Mean for the National Academy League?

MLS NEXT 2’s launch is creating a big shift in youth soccer, with many clubs—especially in the Northeast—dropping their National Academy League (NAL) teams to join what they see as a higher-level league, even though both leagues actually serve different purposes within the same pathway.

What’s Really Happening?

Picture this: your kid just joined a NAL club when the league launched a couple years back. Your family was excited about this fresh option in youth soccer.

Now suddenly, you’re hearing about MLS NEXT 2, and the club has officially made the switch. But here’s what many families don’t realize—it’s not exactly what it seems.

This scenario is playing out across the country, but it’s hitting the Northeast especially hard. With the 2025/2026 season right around the corner, clubs are making moves that have parents scratching their heads.

The Real Story Behind MLS NEXT 2

Here’s something that might surprise you: MLS NEXT 2 and NAL are very similar in ways. The National Academy League was created as a platform for clubs that already have MLS NEXT teams to field their second squads or age groups that aren’t in the main MLS NEXT system.

Think of it like this—if a club has their top 16-year-olds playing in MLS NEXT, their second team of 16-year-olds would play in NAL. It’s all part of the same pathway, just different levels within the same club structure.

NAL was always designed as the second tier within the MLS system.

Today, MLS NEXT 2 has become the second tier of MLS NEXT. It’s now a single brand.

The Exclusive Club Reality

Here’s the part that catches a lot of families off guard: you can’t just decide to join MLS NEXT 2. Only clubs that already participate in MLS NEXT can put teams in the system.

So when a “new” MLS NEXT 2 team pops up in your area, it’s actually an existing MLS NEXT club adding a second team or expanding to new age groups. This makes the whole system much more exclusive than the marketing suggests.

This explains why so many Northeast clubs are making the switch—they’re not really switching leagues as much as they’re joining existing MLS NEXT club systems as their second-tier teams.

The High School Soccer Problem

Here’s where it gets tricky for families: both MLS NEXT 2 and NAL run during the fall, right when high school soccer is happening. This creates a real headache for families who want their kids to play both.

Unlike MLS NEXT, MLS NEXT 2 players have the option to play for their high school and club. The decision to play both will be a personal one, as scheduling conflicts are the biggest factor.

What This Means for Player Development

The truth is, both options can develop players well. The real difference is about where your kid fits within their club’s system. Being on a club’s top MLS NEXT team is different from being on their second team, even if it’s the same club.

Smart families are asking better questions: What level is right for my player’s current ability? How much playing time will they get? What does the training look like compared to game time? Do they want to play for their school?

The Community Club Challenge

For clubs that aren’t part of the MLS NEXT system, this creates real challenges. They’re competing against clubs that can offer what sounds like a direct pathway to MLS opportunities, even if the reality is more complex.

These community-focused clubs need to get better at explaining their value: more playing time, lower costs, flexibility to play high school soccer, and development that isn’t just focused on the very top level of players.

Remember, the best development path isn’t always the one with the fanciest name—it’s the one that matches your player’s current level, gives them plenty of touches on the ball, and helps them improve at their own pace.

Making Smart Choices for 2025/2026

If you’re trying to figure out what’s best for your kid, here are the right questions to ask:

Does your player want to play high school soccer? If yes, make sure you understand the league’s policy on dual participation.

What level of player is your kid right now? Being a starter on a second team might be better for development than riding the bench on a top team.

What are the actual costs involved? Don’t forget about travel, tournaments, and all the extras that add up.

How does the training-to-game ratio work? Some players develop better with more training, others need more game experience.

The Bottom Line

The MLS NEXT 2/NAL system isn’t really disrupting youth soccer as much as it’s clarifying what was already happening. Clubs were already running multiple teams at different levels—now there’s just a more formal structure for it.

For families, the key is understanding that this isn’t about choosing between a “good” league and a “better” league. It’s about finding the right fit for your player’s current level and goals.

The clubs that focus on honest communication about what level each player is ready for—and what that means for theirf style.