On Tuesday morning, the United Soccer League announced its new Division 1 category, set to be named “USL Premier,” with a launch aimed for 2028. This top-tier division, which was first hinted at almost a year ago, will be the pinnacle of a three-tier system including the USL Championship and USL League 1.
“USL Premier”
The USL, which serves as the second professional soccer league in the U.S., revealed plans last year to create a Division I league, a tier currently occupied solely by Major League Soccer. For nearly a year, details regarding the format and name remained under wraps until the recent announcement. The USL Premier will abandon the two-conference format of the USL Championship, featuring 20 teams competing across the nation. Additionally, promotions and relegations will begin immediately, with the intended kickoff set for 2028.
Alec Papadakis, CEO of the United Soccer League, emphasized that the USL Premier represents their forward-thinking vision for men’s soccer. “We have created a scalable, community-centered, multi-level professional framework. By establishing this clear hierarchy, we’re laying a strong foundation for teams, players, and fans, which will create significant opportunities for stakeholders and investors as we expand the sport and introduce promotion and relegation,” he stated.
Creation of a New Division
Several teams from the USL Championship are advancing their efforts to become part of the Premier League. Louisville City has publicly expressed its plans, while clubs like Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Sacramento Republic, Detroit City, and Miami FC are all working on building new stadiums. There’s also optimism regarding OKC Energy potentially joining the USL Premier as an expansion franchise. USL President Paul McDonough indicated to The Athletic that he anticipates eight USL Championship teams receiving promotions right away, along with four to six expansion teams entering the league in its inaugural year.
Promotion and Relegation Framework
Reports suggest that in 2028, two teams will be promoted and relegated, with the First Division expected to host between 12 and 14 teams initially. Once the league’s size reaches 20, a three-up, three-down promotion and relegation system similar to that used in major European leagues will be implemented.
Impact on Lower Divisions
The introduction of this new division will also reshape the USL Championship, which will adopt a single-table format with 20 teams. Meanwhile, USL League 1 will retain a regional structure. The league has yet to announce any plans for a playoff format.
Fan Take: The launch of the USL Premier is significant for soccer enthusiasts, as it introduces a vibrant competition that can elevate the sport’s profile in the U.S. This new structure not only provides a clearer pathway for teams to ascend but also promises to increase fan engagement across all levels of the game.
