Historic USL vote paves new path for American soccer–MLS promotion and relegation next?

The United Soccer League has broken new ground in American sports by approving a plan to launch a promotion and relegation system across three tiers, beginning with a new Division One in a few years. “A new chapter in American soccer begins,” USL CEO Alec Papadakis said when announcing the plan. “This is a significant milestone for the USL and highlights our shared vision with our team ownership to build a league that not only provides top-tier competition but also champions community engagement.”

Most USL clubs rely on ticket sales more than major TV contracts, so some teams believe relegation won’t devastate them. The real test is whether casual fans will support clubs that drop to a lower division or stay devoted enough for teams to survive. Many USL owners think the thrill of promotion battles and the fear of relegation can boost attendance, strengthen rivalries, and energize local communities. Yet skeptics warn that minor-league teams have disbanded under lesser pressures.

Without deep resources or guaranteed broadcast income, a few bad seasons could drive struggling franchises into the ground. Some observers point out that a promotion-relegation model works in Europe partly because fans there have nurtured clubs for generations.

Still, the USL’s gamble has stirred hope among supporters who’ve long advocated for an open system. They see it as a chance to align American soccer with the global game. There’s even some talk of whether Major League Soccer should follow suit, though MLS owners may be reluctant to risk losing hundreds of millions in franchise valuations.

Jesse Marsch, Canada’s American head coach and former New York Red Bulls manager, has said he’d like to see promotion and relegation in the U.S. “It just raises the stakes and gives so much hope to some of these smaller clubs,” he said. Yet the single-entity model of MLS makes that leap tricky, especially when each new expansion slot sells for hundreds of millions of dollars.

Teams in the USL Championship are already considering bigger stadiums, stronger youth academies, and broader marketing efforts to win promotion to the upcoming Division One. Meanwhile, those in League One see a golden opportunity to climb. Critics caution that it’s one thing to put promotion and relegation on paper, but it’s another to secure stable ownership, ensure stadium requirements, and offer fallback support for relegated clubs. Many note that relegation can gut a club’s finances if fans drift away and sponsorships dry up.

Why MLS Should Watch Closely

If the USL’s plan succeeds, it may force MLS to reconsider its own approach. An open ecosystem could intensify competition and galvanize dormant fan bases. The USL aims to roll out its Division One by 2027 or 2028, right around the time the United States co-hosts the 2026 World Cup. The timing feels perfect for an experiment that, if done right, could reshape the soccer landscape. It might also prove that an age-old global model can be adapted to American culture in a way that sparks sustainable growth.

For now, the spotlight is on the USL. If they can pull this off, perhaps the larger league at the top will see that promotion and relegation isn’t just a romantic notion. It could be the key to unlocking new levels of excitement, investment, and ambition in American soccer.