You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it.
Lionel Messi
Soccer, also known as football in most parts of the world, has gained a lot of popularity across the United States. With more fans showing up to games, big investments pouring in and a wave of young talent constantly emerging, soccer has truly found its place in American culture today.
How can we explain this sudden gain in popularity? Thanks to the structure of pro soccer leagues that provide pathways for talent and competition!
In this article, we’ll explain the key soccer leagues that are part of the American professional system, their structure and where they stand in terms of global football!
As of 2024, there are approximately 40 to 50 million soccer fans in the United States. Soccer has seen an incredible growth in popularity, driven by Major League Soccer (MLS) and international events like the World Cup!
Major League Soccer (MLS)
Major League Soccer (MLS) is the highest level of men's professional soccer in the United States. The league was founded in 1993 and played their first games in 1996! The Major League Soccer's goal was to have soccer thrive in the United States for years to come, by ensuring a solid legacy.
Find out more about the different MLS teams here!
MLS is a single-entity league. What does this mean? Simply that the league itself owns all the teams and player contracts, with clubs operating as franchises. The league started with 10 teams, but has grown significantly since. Indeed, MLS now has 30 clubs set to participate by 2024! The teams are divided into two conferences: Eastern and Western, with each playing 34 games during the regular season.
At the end of the regular season, MLS holds playoffs to determine the champion of the MLS Cup. In MLS, teams that qualify for the playoffs, which are the teams with the most points at the end of the season, compete in knockout rounds to win the championship title!
MLS clubs compete in the U.S. Open Cup, one of the oldest competitions in the United States, and in international tournaments like the CONCACAF Champions Cup!
Over the past 20 years, MLS has seen huge developments. The addition of new clubs such as LAFC, Atlanta United and Inter Miami has brought fresh talent and excitement to the league. Moreover, the signing of international stars like David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Lionel Messi has drawn global attention to MLS! Who is your favorite soccer player?
MLS Next Pro
Sub to the Major League Soccer, MLS Next Pro is a new professional soccer league that began in 2022. It serves as a direct development pathway for MLS clubs, allowing them to build reserve teams in a professional environment.
This league is part of the larger MLS Next youth development platform, ensuring that young talent has a structured path from academy soccer to the top tier of the professional game. These leagues ensure constant legacy!
Like other leagues in the United States, MLS Next features a regular season followed by playoffs. The league provides an opportunity for young players, particularly those who are not yet ready for the rigors of MLS, to gain experience on the field!
Indeed, one of the main goals of MLS Next Pro is to offer consistent playing time to academy graduates and other young players. This gives them the opportunity to develop in a competitive environment without the pressure of MLS-level competition. Players who perform well in MLS Next Pro can be promoted to their parent MLS clubs. Though MLS Next Pro is in its early stages, it represents a significant step forward for player development in the U.S.
USL Championship (USLC)
The United Soccer League Championship (USLC) is the second division of pro soccer in the U.S. This league serves as the stepping stone between MLS and the lower leagues. Founded in 2011, the USL Championship has quickly evolved and is now recognized by the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) as a Division II professional league!
The league consists of over 30 teams, also divided into two conferences, Eastern and Western. Like MLS, USLC teams play a regular season followed by playoffs to determine the league champion. The competition is fierce, with some clubs welcoming former MLS players and others featuring young, up-and-coming talented players.
Here are some highlights from the latest USL game on YouTube!
Although USLC is separate from MLS, several MLS clubs have reserve teams in the league, also allowing them to develop young players in a competitive environment. Some USLC teams have aspirations of moving up to MLS, and though there is no formal promotion system, clubs like FC Cincinnati and Nashville SC have successfully transitioned to MLS.
Are you wondering what the heated match-ups in soccer are?
USL League One (USL1)
USL League One (USL1) is the third tier of American professional soccer and serves as a developmental league for both young players and clubs. It was founded in 2019 as a way to bridge the gap between amateur soccer and the higher levels of professional soccer in the U.S.
USL1 features a smaller number of teams compared to USLC, with about 12-14 teams competing in a regular season. Clubs in this league tend to have smaller budgets, but the competition level remains high. The league plays a full season, followed by playoffs to determine the champion.
Many USL1 clubs focus on developing young players who may eventually move up to the USL Championship or even MLS. Some MLS clubs use USL1 as a platform for their reserve teams, giving prospects vital playing time.
USL1 has experienced steady growth. The league's focus on player development makes it an important part of the overall American soccer system. As more clubs join, USL1 will continue to play a significant role in the development of talent in American soccer.
National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is the premier professional soccer league for women in the U.S. Founded in 2012, it has become one of the most successful women’s leagues in the world!
The NWSL features 12 teams, with even more plans for expansion. The league operates under a single-entity structure, similar to MLS, with centralized contracts for most players. Teams compete in a regular season followed by playoffs in the NWSL Championship.
The NWSL has seen some of the world’s top female players, including American stars like Megan Rapinoe, Emily Fox, Tobin Heath and Sam Kerr. It has also attracted international talent from Europe and South America, further elevating the league's profile.
In recent years, the NWSL has experienced new peaks in both attendance and viewership. Teams like Portland Thorns FC and OL Reign have strong fan bases, contributing to the league's overall success. With the continued rise of women’s soccer globally, the NWSL has earned it's spot on the world stage for years to come.
Here are highlights from the latest NWSL game on YouTube!
USL Super League
The USL Super League is a new women’s professional soccer league set to launch in 2024, aiming to further expand the women’s game in the U.S. This league will be a second-tier competition below the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and is part of the broader United Soccer League (USL) system, which already runs successful men’s leagues like the USL Championship.
The league will start with 10-12 teams across the United States, focusing on cities that don’t currently have a professional women’s team. Like other leagues, it will have a regular season followed by playoffs. The goal is to give more players and fans access to professional-level women’s soccer. How great is that?!
While the USL Super League will begin as a second division, its long-term goal is to meet the top professional standards in the U.S., potentially making it a first-division league like the NWSL. This shows just how serious the USL is about growing women’s soccer in the country!
The USL Super League will help bridge the gap between college and professional soccer for female players. It will also provide more opportunities for players to continue their careers without having to move overseas. Furthermore, by offering another platform for skillful players, it could help deepen the U.S. Women’s National Team player pool.
Are you dreaming to be part of a professional soccer league?
Learn More About Soccer with Superprof
American professional soccer is as diverse as it is exciting. With leagues ranging from Major League Soccer at the top, to USL Championship, and developmental leagues like MLS Next Pro and the USL Super League, there is a place for every fan and opportunities for many players!
As soccer continues to grow in the U.S., these soccer leagues will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the sport.
Are you looking for a soccer coach? Superprof connects you with expert tutors for personalized training for every level. Whether you need help with soccer tactics or with mastering a new skill, you can find a reliable tutor who matches your learning style. Unlock your potential and find your soccer coach today to help you reach your athletic goals!
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
