The United Soccer League (USL) has formally revealed plans to start a new Division One men’s professional league in 2027, rivaling MLS while operating independently and under the auspices of the United States Soccer Federation.
The MLS is home to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami team, which won the MLS Supporters Shield last season.
The USL’s decision to launch a Division One league marks a shift in the American football scene, bringing additional high-level competition outside of the MLS. Alec Papadakis, CEO of the United Soccer League, praised the news as a watershed moment.
“Today is a defining moment for the USL and the future of soccer in the United States,” Papadakis said, according to ESPN.
“Creating a Division One league is a bold step forward, expanding access to top-tier competition, deepening the connection between our communities and taking another step in aligning with the structure of the global game.”
Unlike the MLS, which operates on a franchise model with no promotion or relegation, the USL aspires to establish a system in which clubs can advance up the ranks based on performance.Papadakis also explained,
“The USL model empowers clubs with greater autonomy and fosters a dynamic, interconnected system—one that allows them to compete at the highest level while remaining deeply rooted in their communities.”
