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NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
TAMPA, Fla. — The United Soccer League (USL) announced plans to launch a Division One men’s professional league in 2027-28, bringing the highest level of soccer to more communities across the country.
This groundbreaking initiative builds on the USL’s commitment to grow the game at all levels, provide new opportunities for players, teams, and fans, and strengthen the foundation of American soccer at a time when the sport is experiencing unprecedented momentum.
“Today is a defining moment for the USL and the future of soccer in the United States,” said Alec Papadakis, CEO of the United Soccer League. “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.”
A Division One league — defined by the sanctioning standards of the U.S. Soccer Federation as the highest level for professional soccer in the United States — represents the next evolution in the USL’s structure, establishing a fully integrated pathway for clubs and players. With the USL Championship (Division Two) and USL League One (Division Three) already providing a strong foundation for player development and competition, the new league completes the system, ensuring seamless progression for talent at all levels.
“The USL has long been committed to creating a structure that drives growth, opportunity, and long-term success in American soccer,” Papadakis added. “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 will serve as a platform for both rising and established players to compete at the highest operational professional standards in the U.S., further elevating the quality of play within the USL and the level of the domestic player pool for international competitions.
Interest in soccer in the United States is at an all-time high, fueled by rising participation rates, increased media exposure, and growing anticipation for major international events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. As North America prepares to host these global tournaments, the sport is at a pivotal moment, creating unparalleled opportunities to invest in its long-term future.
SOCCER NOTEBOOK:
USL LEAGUE TWO: League expands to record 144 teams for 2025
TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League unveiled the complete 144-club field that will be competing in the 2025 USL League Two season.
This year marks 30 years of USL League Two, tracing its history back to the then-named USISL Premier League. Wearing several different faces over the last three decades, USL League Two has remained committed to its core belief that tomorrow's professionals can come from anywhere – they only need the opportunity.
This season, USL League Two is in more communities than ever – two new divisions, 36 total states, 30 first-time clubs in League Two, and one trophy for the very best among the field.
Clubs will play between 12 and 14 games against other teams within their division, before a playoff bracket is formed based on each division’s standings.
More information about the league schedule will be released in the coming weeks. For more details, visit www.uslleaguetwo.com
Here are 2025 USL League Two divisions:
WESTERN CONFERENCE
NORTHWEST DIVISION:
Lane United FC
FC Olympia
Ballard FC
Tacoma Stars
West Seattle Junction FC
Midlakes United
Snohomish United
Bigfoot FC
Bangers FC
NORCAL DIVISION:
San Francisco City FC
Marin FC Legends
San Francisco Glens SC
Davis Legacy SC
Project 51O
Academica SC
Almaden FC
Monterey Bay FC 2
San Juan SC
MOUNTAIN DIVISION:
Colorado International Soccer Academy
Albion SC Colorado
Flatirons FC
Utah United
Colorado Storm
SOUTHWEST DIVISION:
Redlands FC
Ventura County Fusion
Southern California Eagles
Capo FC
AMSG FC
FC Tucson
Coachella SC
City SC
Stars FC
CENTRAL CONFERENCE
GREAT LAKES DIVISION:
AFC Ann Arbor
Flint City Bucks
Kalamazoo FC
Lansing City Football
Midwest United FC
Oakland County FC
Union Macomb FC
Northern Indiana FC
VALLEY DIVISION:
Kings Hammer FC
Dayton Dutch Lions
West Virginia United
Fort Wayne FC
Kings Hammer Columbus
Lexington SC
GREAT FOREST DIVISION:
Cleveland Force SC
FC Buffalo
Toledo Villa FC
Akron City
Steel City FC
Erie Sports Center
GREAT PLAINS DIVISION:
Peoria City
Des Moines Menace
Sunflower State FC
St. Louis Ambush
Santafé Wanderers FC
Springfield FC
HEARTLAND DIVISION:
Chicago City Dutch Lions
Sueno FC
River Light FC
Minneapolis City SC
St. Croix Legends
RKC Third Coast
Rochester FC
SOUTHERN CONFERENCE
SOUTH FLORIDA DIVISION:
Miami AC
Sarasota Paradise
St. Petersburg FC
Weston FC
Kings Hammer Sun City
Fort Lauderdale United
FC Miami City
SOUTHEAST DIVISION:
Brevard SC
Brave SC
Sporting Jax
Nona FC
Inter Gainesville KF
Brooke House Academy
SOUTH CENTRAL DIVISION:
Asheville City SC
East Atlanta Dutch Lions
Tennessee SC
Southern Soccer Academy
Dothan United SC
Athens United FC
Birmingham Legion
Montgomery United FC
Apotheos FC
Columbus United FC
MID SOUTH DIVISION:
Little Rock Rangers
LA Krewe FC
Mississippi Brilla
Hattiesburg FC
McKinney Chupacabras
Denton Diablos
Red River FC
LONE STAR DIVISION:
AHFC Royals
Twin City Toucans
Corpus Christi FC
AC Houston Sur
Houston FC
Hill Country Lobos
Laredo Heat
GFI Woodlands
Lonestar SC
EASTERN CONFERENCE
CHESAPEAKE DIVISION:
Christos FC
Lionsbridge FC
Virginia Beach United
Northern Virginia FC
Virginia Marauders FC
Patuxent FA
Charlottesville Blues
Annapolis Blues FC
METROPOLITAN DIVISION:
Morris Elite SC
Long Island Rough Riders
Cedar Stars
New Jersey Copa FC
Manhattan SC
Westchester Flames
FC Motown STA
Hudson Valley Hammers
Ironbound SC
Staten Island ASC
NORTHEAST DIVISION:
Seacoast United Phantoms
Western Mass Pioneers
Vermont Green FC
Boston Bolts
Albany Rush
AC Connecticut
Black Rock FC
Boston City FC
New England FC
MID ATLANTIC DIVISION:
Ocean City Nor'Easters
West Chester United SC
Reading United AC
Real Central NJ
Lehigh Valley United
Delaware FC
SOUTH ATLANTIC DIVISION:
North Carolina FC U23
Wake FC
Charlotte Independence 2
Tobacco Road FC
Charlotte Eagles
South Carolina United
Salem City FC
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(Have a story suggestion for the Premier Media Group and the National Soccer Network regarding club/youth soccer, high school varsity, amateur soccer, collegiate soccer or professional soccer involving teams, players or coaches with ties to a particular state or states, contact Web and Content Editor/Director of News Dan Stickradt via email at dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com and news@nationalsoccernetwork.com, or call 248-525-2349. Dan Stickradt is a 32-year veteran of the Michigan and national media circles and recently joined the staff full time at PMG in March of 2024. Want to schedule a broadcast game or live show, contact PMG/NSN Director of Broadcasting Jonathan Turner for availability and pricing at jonathan@thepremiermediagrp.com.)
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