For decades, American football has resisted a system that is fundamental to the sport all over the world: promotion and relocation. The closed league model, dominant in Major League Soccer (MLS) And other North American sporting leagues have left clubs with fixed membership and limited opportunities for growth outside expensive expansion fees. But now the story has been done.
The United Soccer League (USL) have officially voted to carry out marketing and relegation over their divisions and break the form of American professional sports, Athletic has confirmed. In 2028, USL clubs will compete in a interconnected three system where teams can rise or fall based on performanceadapts to the global game. It is a move that can transform the landscape for US football. But will the most popular league in the country, MLS, also do this?
USL is currently running two professional leagues: USL Championship (Division 2) and USL League One (Division 3). But In 2027, the league plans to introduce a new Division 1 competition, USL Premier, pending approval from the US Football Association.
Once this top level is established, USL will embrace a system in which The best performing teams from lower divisions are marketed and The worst performing teams from higher divisions are moved. This means a Third level club could theoretically climb all the way to the top flight Through success on the pitch while under -performing clubs risk falling to lower levels.
“A new chapter in American football begins,” mentioned Alec Papadakis, CEO of USL. “Now, just as it is in the global game, more communities in America can strive to compete at the highest football level. It’s time.” The vote to approve the system was not unanimous, but 90% of USL owners supported the changeTo think that it would increase competition, attract fans and increase revenue.
Will this reshape American football?
The move has encountered excitement, especially among those who have long advocated for marketing and relocation in the United States Unlike MLS, which has been criticized for “meaningless” games with regular seasonUSL believes that the new system will add drama and intensity to each match.
USL president Paul McDonough emphasized the importance of “Impact play”says: “Fans are drawn to the intensity of the competition with high efforts, where more matches have real consequences-precise that we see in European leagues.”
This merit -based approach can also be improved Game development. Young talents in smaller markets will now have a clearer path to top level competitionWhich gives more incentives for clubs to invest in young people.
Can MLS change their rules as well?
For now, Ml remains a closed league with 30 teamsEveryone guaranteed a place in the competition regardless of performance. This system protects billionaire investors and ensures financial stability, but it Limits the possibilities for ambitious clubs with lower division.
Unlike USL has MLS owners No incentive to introduce relocationAs it can devalue franchises and disturb the business model. But the big football league will undoubtedly be Look at the USL experiment near. If the new system is running Fan engagement, TV rating and sponsorship growthMLS can eventually rethink their attitude.
“The USL movement presents a significant bending point in the development of PRO football in the United States,” reported Front Office Sport.
