Transforming Lower-League Soccer: The USL's Bold Expansion Plans After 2026
The USL, the driving force behind US lower-league soccer, is making a major push for expansion after the 2026 World Cup. Explore the league's structure, challenges, and ambitious goals.
The United Soccer Leagues (USL), the organization that oversees much of the lower-league soccer landscape in the United States, is gearing up for a significant expansion push following the 2026 World Cup. With the global spotlight set to shine on North American football, the USL sees an opportunity to capitalize on the growing interest and establish a more cohesive and profitable structure for its various divisions.
Dan Egner, a former technical director for Real Salt Lake and current agent with NordicSky, has witnessed the evolution of the USL firsthand. Back in 2019, Egner's Real Monarchs affiliate team won the USL Championship, a moment of triumph that was not necessarily accompanied by financial success.
The USL's structure, which includes the second-division USL Championship and the third-division USL League One, has long been a point of discussion within the soccer community. While the league has provided a platform for professional development and regional rivalries, the lack of a clear path for promotion and relegation has been a source of criticism and frustration for many stakeholders.
Source: The Guardian
