Imagine a world where the boundaries of traditional sports leagues are shattered – a world where the passion and spirit of soccer transcend the confines of the establishment to create something truly revolutionary. This is the vision behind the United Soccer League’s (USL) audacious plan to launch a new men’s Division I league in 2027, running parallel to Major League Soccer (MLS).
A League for the People, in the Heart of America
Paul McDonough, president of USL, sees the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico as a golden opportunity – not just to showcase soccer in major cities, but to ignite a passion for the beautiful game in the very heart of America. “If we’re truly going to be a soccer nation, we need to have top-tier soccer in more states and more cities throughout the country,” McDonough told the Guardian. “We’re not going to build soccer in this country just in major cities.”
Embracing the Quirks and Charms of American Soccer
For the USL’s new league to thrive, it must embrace what makes soccer in the United States unique and captivating. Rather than merely imitating successful leagues from other countries, the USL should celebrate the quirkiness and charm that define American soccer culture:
- Distinctive team nicknames that capture the spirit of their communities
- Thrilling playoffs that keep fans on the edge of their seats
- Iconic stadiums that become cherished landmarks
- Passionate commentary and match presentation that resonate with American audiences
By retaining these elements, the USL can create a league that is both globally respected and unmistakably American.
Autonomy and Flexibility: The Keys to Growth
Unlike MLS, which operates as a single entity, the USL’s new league will give franchises more independence and autonomy. “What I like about our system is clubs have autonomy,” McDonough explained. “We want to give them kind of guardrails, but then they do it how they want.” This flexibility will be crucial in allowing the league to grow organically, welcoming community-owned and member-run clubs, as well as teams from smaller cities that may not meet the stringent financial requirements of the Professional League Standards (PLS).
You need that proper runway to launch properly. We don’t want to do this and not have it come off with a good look, so we need ample time to build proper clubs.
– Paul McDonough, President of USL
Promotion, Relegation, and the Promise of Accessibility
Perhaps the most exciting prospect for the USL’s new league is the potential introduction of promotion and relegation – a system that would allow teams to move between divisions based on their performance. With existing leagues at Division II (USL Championship), Division III (League One), and regional semi-pro levels (League Two), the USL is primed to create a dynamic and interconnected soccer pyramid that rewards success and keeps fans engaged.
Accessibility is another key factor in the league’s success. By making games available through channels fans already subscribe to, offering affordable ticket prices, and investing in streaming and media deals, the USL can break into the mainstream sports landscape and capture the hearts of soccer enthusiasts nationwide.
A New Era for American Soccer
As the USL embarks on this bold journey, it has the potential to reshape the soccer landscape in the United States. By embracing the unique character of American soccer, fostering organic growth, and prioritizing accessibility, the USL’s new Division I league could become a powerful force in the sport, rivaling MLS and captivating fans from coast to coast.
The stage is set for a thrilling new chapter in American soccer history, and the USL is poised to lead the charge. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and a vision for a league that truly represents the diversity and passion of the nation, the future of soccer in the United States has never looked brighter.
