How many USL clubs have ceased operations?

Twenty USL Championship or League One teams have ceased operations since 2015.

What is the current dispute involving USL Championship players?

USL Championship players are in contentious negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, leading to protests and potential strike authorization.

Home / Sports / Can USL Survive Its Own Ambition?

Can USL Survive Its Own Ambition?

Q: What are the USL's expansion plans?

The USL plans to launch a new Division I league and implement promotion and relegation by 2028.

10 Mar

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Summary

USL faces club attrition with 20 teams folding since 2015.
New league plans lack clear operational details.
Players protest amid contentious CBA negotiations.

The USL is undergoing a period of ambitious expansion, aiming to launch a new Division I league and implement promotion and relegation by 2028, potentially creating direct competition with MLS. This strategic push is partly driven by the anticipation of increased soccer fandom following the 2026 World Cup. Despite significant investments from private equity firms, the league's plans for the new division and promotion/relegation remain vague.

The USL has a history of club instability, with 20 teams across its Championship and League One divisions ceasing operations since 2015. Most recently, three clubs folded after the last season ended, including one just weeks before the current season's kickoff. This high rate of attrition raises concerns about the sustainability of the league's growth model.