Maybe it’s because I’ve always favored upstart leagues (I preferred the American Football League to the NFL, World Hockey Association to the NHL, and American Basketball Association to the NBA), but I really, really wanted the second iteration of the North American Soccer League to succeed.
When it started play in 2011, Major League Soccer was already clearly established as North America’s one and only “First Division” soccer circuit. Since the new NASL had revived the badge of my favorite domestic club – the New York Cosmos – I hoped one day it could challenge the established league.
I didn’t want NASL to replace MLS or force a merger, I just wanted to have another option.
Instead, the NASL folded in 2017 and after losing its antitrust lawsuit against MLS earlier this month, it’s most likely off the board for good.
Luckily, I have a few collectibles to remember it by. So, while it’s gone, I won’t forget it.
But now – maybe – I’m gonna get another shot at cheering for the underdog thanks to the United Soccer League. Currently, the USL Championship serves as a second tier competition in the American pyramid, but on February 13 plans to create an MLS rival were announced.
Gotta admit … it got the ol’ Spidey senses tingling.
“Today is a defining moment for the USL and the future of soccer in the United States,” Alec Papadakis, CEO of the United Soccer League, said. “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. By uniting people through soccer and bringing Division One to more cities, we’re not just growing the sport—we’re creating lasting opportunities while building a more sustainable and vibrant soccer ecosystem in the U.S.”
MLS works under a single entity structure while USL franchises are sperate businesses. That allows for more “personality,” like the independent spirit you get with clubs like Detroit City FC and Oakland Roots SC.
“The USL has long been committed to creating a structure that drives growth, opportunity, and long-term success in American soccer,” Papadakis said. “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. Around the world, top-tier clubs thrive in cities of all sizes, and we believe the same is possible here. The demand and infrastructure are in place, and the potential for growth is immense.”
The new league is slated to begin play for the 2027-28 season, a year after North America hosts the World Cup and leading up to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. As for the name, it’s doubtful they’ll stick with “USL Division One.” Currently the USL has the USL Championship (second division), USL League One (third division) and USL League Two (amateur).
Officials will be workshopping a name over the coming months (personally I’d go with USL Premiere, but nobody has asked me and I doubt they will).
As for number of clubs, the upstarts will have to follow U.S. Soccer Pro League Standards. The country’s governing body requires top-tier leagues to have at least 12 teams to start (scattered across the Eastern, Central and Pacific time zones) and 14 teams by year three; 75 percent or more of the clubs must be in metro markets of at least a million people; stadiums are required to be enclosed and have a minimum capacity of 15,000; and at least 75 percent of the teams must be based in the United States.
Sacramento Republic led the USL Championship in per game attendance last year (10,106) and is set to open a sparkling new stadium in 2027 that can seat up to 15,000. They’d be a logical flagship franchise for Division One.
Indy Eleven, Louisville City and New Mexico United all draw well and make strong cases for a spot. Albuquerque has the green light to give New Mexico United a permanent home stadium. And the Roots, who I mentioned earlier, have plans to build a 25,000-seat venue, so they’re in this for the long haul.
Currently only four USLC clubs (Birmingham Legion FC, Miami FC, Louisville and Oakland) have existing stadiums that meet U.S. Soccer requirements, but there’s plenty of time for cities to wrangle suitable venues.
Circling back to the Cosmos, they’re owned by Rocco Commisso and have been “on hiatus” since 2021. This would be a great time for him to breathe life back into the club and give the new league a familiar brand. And I’d like nothing better than to move my Cosmos ballcaps and T-Shirts from the “dormant” to the “active” pile.
I’m assuming the original 12 will be a mix of clubs we already know from the USL Championship and some newcomers Division One officials think can put butts in the seats.
Regardless, Forbes estimates that the average MLS club (there are 30) is worth $721 million, and average per game attendance in 2024 was 23,234. In other words, Commissioner Don Garber’s association football alliance is doing just fine.
Throw in the fact that the senior circuit is joined at the hip with U.S. Soccer, and that means this new enterprise has a long, rocky road ahead.
But, hopefully, it’s a road worth traveling. And personally, I’m looking forward to going along for the ride.
Maybe just maybe you like NY Cosmos because Cosmos Pizza was fun and stuff.