USL Announces Plans for Division I Soccer League to Rival MLS

The United Soccer League aims to launch a new top-tier league in 2027, marking a significant shift in the U.S. soccer landscape.

The United Soccer League (USL) plans to establish a Division I men's soccer league by 2027-28, directly competing with Major League Soccer (MLS).
The new league will include 12-14 teams initially, with requirements to expand to at least 14 teams by its third year and meet U.S. Soccer Federation standards for top-tier leagues.
USL's Division I league will focus on underserved metro areas and could introduce a promotion-relegation system within its existing multi-tier structure, a concept MLS does not currently employ.
The league's creation follows USL's success with its women's Division I Super League and reflects growing soccer interest in the U.S. ahead of major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
Challenges include meeting stadium and financial standards, attracting sufficient fan support, and navigating potential competition with MLS in overlapping markets.