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USL Approves Historic Promotion and Relegation System for U.S. Soccer

The league plans to launch a Division One tier by 2027 or 2028, contingent on meeting U.S. Soccer Federation criteria.

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The Tampa Bay Rowdies play in the United Soccer Leagues which could introduce promotion and relegation

Overview

  • The United Soccer Leagues (USL) has voted to implement a promotion and relegation system, the first of its kind in U.S. professional soccer.
  • USL aims to launch a new Division One league by 2027 or 2028 to rival Major League Soccer (MLS) and secure top-flight status.
  • The U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) must approve the Division One league, requiring compliance with criteria such as stadium capacity and geographic distribution.
  • USL President Paul McDonough emphasized the move as a strategy to differentiate the league and increase its relevance in the U.S. soccer market.
  • Challenges include attracting new clubs to a three-tier system and ensuring compliance with USSF standards across fluctuating league structures.