The USL’s plan to implement promotion/relegation could change the U.S. soccer landscape forever. But plenty of questions remain as to if - and how - that goal will be achieved.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Will USL's move to pro-rel change U.S. soccer, threaten MLS?
USL's introduction of promotion-relegation could change U.S. soccer forever, but it's still unclear how it will work.
www.espn.com
June 8, 2025 at 4:33 PM
The USL’s plan to implement promotion/relegation could change the U.S. soccer landscape forever. But plenty of questions remain as to if - and how - that goal will be achieved.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
Here is the USL's statement in response to the USLPA's strike authorization vote:
February 27, 2026 at 11:17 PM
Here is the USL's statement in response to the USLPA's strike authorization vote:
If you were wondering if the USL's league format announcement indicated progress with the USLPA on a new CBA, well....
January 27, 2026 at 7:35 PM
If you were wondering if the USL's league format announcement indicated progress with the USLPA on a new CBA, well....
Statement from US Soccer about the USL's proposed implementation of Promotion/Relegation.
March 19, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Statement from US Soccer about the USL's proposed implementation of Promotion/Relegation.
USL's Business Model Is A Problem youtu.be/XDca0lbc5mI?...
USL's Business Model Is A Problem
YouTube video by Morning Kickaround
youtu.be
March 10, 2026 at 7:57 PM
USL's Business Model Is A Problem youtu.be/XDca0lbc5mI?...
NEW: The USL has enjoyed a decade of dominating the lower league landscape. Since 2015, 20 of its independent clubs have folded - the latest just two weeks before the 2026 season.
Is the USL’s structure built to handle even more jeopardy with pro/rel? www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Is the USL’s structure built to handle even more jeopardy with pro/rel? www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Folding teams, a labor fight, and … expansion? The USL’s structure allows for it all to happen
The organization that runs most of US lower-league soccer is making a big push after the 2026 World Cup – is it a bridge too far?
www.theguardian.com
March 10, 2026 at 1:28 PM
NEW: The USL has enjoyed a decade of dominating the lower league landscape. Since 2015, 20 of its independent clubs have folded - the latest just two weeks before the 2026 season.
Is the USL’s structure built to handle even more jeopardy with pro/rel? www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Is the USL’s structure built to handle even more jeopardy with pro/rel? www.theguardian.com/football/202...
A reminder that the current CBAs for the Championship and League One expire on December 31. Big statement at the USL's marquee match of the year.
Players of FC Tulsa and Pittsburgh Riverhounds emerge for the USL final wearing shirts calling for better working conditions. The USLPA want "real wages, safety, healthcare, and year-round support."
"Pro rel? Try pro standards first," reads the message on the shirts.
"Pro rel? Try pro standards first," reads the message on the shirts.
November 22, 2025 at 5:35 PM
A reminder that the current CBAs for the Championship and League One expire on December 31. Big statement at the USL's marquee match of the year.
The USL’s union-busting tactics won’t intimidate the players.
It’s time for the league to stop the games, negotiate a fair contract, and pay these workers a living wage. Solidarity with USL players!
It’s time for the league to stop the games, negotiate a fair contract, and pay these workers a living wage. Solidarity with USL players!
USL emails players about union resignation procedures as strike looms
The email, sent to all USL Championship players, includes an ‘FAQ’ section on crossing a potential picket line
www.theguardian.com
March 6, 2026 at 12:50 AM
The USL’s union-busting tactics won’t intimidate the players.
It’s time for the league to stop the games, negotiate a fair contract, and pay these workers a living wage. Solidarity with USL players!
It’s time for the league to stop the games, negotiate a fair contract, and pay these workers a living wage. Solidarity with USL players!
Unfortunate to see the Super League follow the USL’s trend of annual attrition. Was hoping their breach into D1 would be able to more adequately vet ownership sustainability.
Wrote in March about the USL’s issue to retain membership on the men’s side. www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Wrote in March about the USL’s issue to retain membership on the men’s side. www.theguardian.com/football/202...
May 21, 2026 at 12:39 AM
Unfortunate to see the Super League follow the USL’s trend of annual attrition. Was hoping their breach into D1 would be able to more adequately vet ownership sustainability.
Wrote in March about the USL’s issue to retain membership on the men’s side. www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Wrote in March about the USL’s issue to retain membership on the men’s side. www.theguardian.com/football/202...
The club has loaned Sam Shashoua to the USL's Birmingham Legion for the rest of the 2025 season.
July 19, 2025 at 4:00 PM
The club has loaned Sam Shashoua to the USL's Birmingham Legion for the rest of the 2025 season.
I need all my soccer sickos to appreciate this Ronaldhino appearance for USL’s Greenville Triumph match recently. I cannot imagine what happened to make this a thing or what was going through his head here.
March 18, 2025 at 1:53 AM
I need all my soccer sickos to appreciate this Ronaldhino appearance for USL’s Greenville Triumph match recently. I cannot imagine what happened to make this a thing or what was going through his head here.
The USL's publicly stated ambition is clear: to implement pro-rel and launch a first-division men's league.
But North Carolina FC's hiatus reveals the cracks in the USL's ecosystem.
If North Carolina can’t justify continued losses, write @usltactics.com, they aren't the only club struggling ⤵️
But North Carolina FC's hiatus reveals the cracks in the USL's ecosystem.
If North Carolina can’t justify continued losses, write @usltactics.com, they aren't the only club struggling ⤵️
North Carolina FC’s hiatus exposes the cracks beneath the USL’s expressed ambition
While USL arms itself for a push towards creating a top men’s league and adding promotion and relegation, it’s clear more work is needed.
www.backheeled.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:03 PM
The USL's publicly stated ambition is clear: to implement pro-rel and launch a first-division men's league.
But North Carolina FC's hiatus reveals the cracks in the USL's ecosystem.
If North Carolina can’t justify continued losses, write @usltactics.com, they aren't the only club struggling ⤵️
But North Carolina FC's hiatus reveals the cracks in the USL's ecosystem.
If North Carolina can’t justify continued losses, write @usltactics.com, they aren't the only club struggling ⤵️
Good morning, @theheatwave.bsky.social.
A new vision for a 15,000-seat waterfront stadium has been unveiled as the future home of #USLSuperLeague champions Tampa Bay Sun FC.
The mixed-use development would also house the #USL's national headquarters.
www.uslsoccer.com/news_article...
A new vision for a 15,000-seat waterfront stadium has been unveiled as the future home of #USLSuperLeague champions Tampa Bay Sun FC.
The mixed-use development would also house the #USL's national headquarters.
www.uslsoccer.com/news_article...
Tampa Bay Sun FC Unveils Vision for New Waterfront Stadium at Ybor Harbor
Multi-Purpose Development would feature USL's Headquarters in Iconic Urban District, Elevate Women’s Professional Soccer
www.uslsoccer.com
June 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Good morning, @theheatwave.bsky.social.
A new vision for a 15,000-seat waterfront stadium has been unveiled as the future home of #USLSuperLeague champions Tampa Bay Sun FC.
The mixed-use development would also house the #USL's national headquarters.
www.uslsoccer.com/news_article...
A new vision for a 15,000-seat waterfront stadium has been unveiled as the future home of #USLSuperLeague champions Tampa Bay Sun FC.
The mixed-use development would also house the #USL's national headquarters.
www.uslsoccer.com/news_article...
A deeper dive on USL’s Labor situation
Watch now | League HQ and the clubs are responsible
beyondthe90.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Long before USL’s vote, U.S. Soccer had visions of promotion and relegation.
@mlsist.bsky.social found the plans in the archives of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, then got the full planning document.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/623...
@mlsist.bsky.social found the plans in the archives of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, then got the full planning document.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/623...
Long before USL’s vote, U.S. Soccer had visions of promotion and relegation
Four decades before USL voted to adopt pro-rel, U.S. Soccer contemplated relaunching the club game in the country with the system in place.
www.nytimes.com
April 3, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Long before USL’s vote, U.S. Soccer had visions of promotion and relegation.
@mlsist.bsky.social found the plans in the archives of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, then got the full planning document.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/623...
@mlsist.bsky.social found the plans in the archives of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, then got the full planning document.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/623...
Ally Cook is the latest free agent to switch leagues, signing with USL's Spokane Zephyr.
January 17, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Ally Cook is the latest free agent to switch leagues, signing with USL's Spokane Zephyr.
The USL’s journey to pro-rel is just beginning, but owners like Kevin Nagle and Brett Johnson with clubs overseas know what’s coming.
I talked to both to see what lessons Huddersfield, Ipswich, and the English system hold for the USL’s future. www.backheeled.com/usl-owners-p...
I talked to both to see what lessons Huddersfield, Ipswich, and the English system hold for the USL’s future. www.backheeled.com/usl-owners-p...
USL owners with pro-rel experience peel back the curtain on the league’s new model
A pair of USL Championship owners have first-hand experience with promotion and relegation from their stakes in English clubs. Here’s what they think about the USL’s new model.
www.backheeled.com
April 24, 2025 at 12:02 PM
The USL’s journey to pro-rel is just beginning, but owners like Kevin Nagle and Brett Johnson with clubs overseas know what’s coming.
I talked to both to see what lessons Huddersfield, Ipswich, and the English system hold for the USL’s future. www.backheeled.com/usl-owners-p...
I talked to both to see what lessons Huddersfield, Ipswich, and the English system hold for the USL’s future. www.backheeled.com/usl-owners-p...
Some coherent thoughts on USL’s D1 league!
I'm going to try to write more in 2025 - in service of that, I started a Substack. Now this is mostly self-edifying, but if you're at all interested feel free to subscribe.
onssoccer.substack.com/p/introducin...
onssoccer.substack.com/p/introducin...
Introducing 500 Words Per 90/USL Expansion into Division 1
I’m starting a new Substack because I want to write more, and I figure that I might make it easier for people to read it.
onssoccer.substack.com
February 14, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Some coherent thoughts on USL’s D1 league!
Minnesota United prepping to move Tani Oluwaseyi to La Liga for big bucks and immediately snagging the USL's xG leader is sharp stuff.
🇸🇳 Sources: Minnesota United finalizing deal to sign forward Mamadou Dieng from Hartford.
Dieng, 21, has excelled in USL Championship. He has 9g/2a in 1,600 mins this season, had 11g/1a in 1,800 mins last year.
Dieng, 21, has excelled in USL Championship. He has 9g/2a in 1,600 mins this season, had 11g/1a in 1,800 mins last year.
August 21, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Minnesota United prepping to move Tani Oluwaseyi to La Liga for big bucks and immediately snagging the USL's xG leader is sharp stuff.
NEW: Rhode Island will make a major statement when they open Centreville Bank Stadium this weekend, but why are stadiums so important to the USL’s future?
I dive in for @Backheeled.com.
www.backheeled.com/how-new-socc...
I dive in for @Backheeled.com.
www.backheeled.com/how-new-socc...
How new soccer-specific stadiums like Rhode Island FC’s are shaping the USL’s future
With Centreville Bank Stadium opening this weekend, Rhode Island joins a growing USL contingent investing in self-owned venues. Here’s why those stadiums are vital.
www.backheeled.com
May 1, 2025 at 1:17 PM
NEW: Rhode Island will make a major statement when they open Centreville Bank Stadium this weekend, but why are stadiums so important to the USL’s future?
I dive in for @Backheeled.com.
www.backheeled.com/how-new-socc...
I dive in for @Backheeled.com.
www.backheeled.com/how-new-socc...
Will we see an 🇺🇸⚽️ strike? USL's FUTURE Turns On A Game of Chicken
#DotTheMap
youtu.be/v7zVgK_YxUw?...
#DotTheMap
youtu.be/v7zVgK_YxUw?...
USL's FUTURE Turns On A Game of Chicken
YouTube video by Morning Kickaround
youtu.be
February 14, 2026 at 1:51 PM
Will we see an 🇺🇸⚽️ strike? USL's FUTURE Turns On A Game of Chicken
#DotTheMap
youtu.be/v7zVgK_YxUw?...
#DotTheMap
youtu.be/v7zVgK_YxUw?...
Network Television Audiences - 2024 U.S. Soccer Professional Finals
1. #NWSL - 967,000 (CBS)*
2. #USLChampionship - 431,000 (CBS)*
3. #MLS - 427,000 (FOX)
* - Most-Viewed Games in League History
Seems like something to talk about.
www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/202....
1. #NWSL - 967,000 (CBS)*
2. #USLChampionship - 431,000 (CBS)*
3. #MLS - 427,000 (FOX)
* - Most-Viewed Games in League History
Seems like something to talk about.
www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/202....
USL Championship Final Delivers Record-Breaking Viewership on CBS
Record viewership highlights the USL’s growing national presence and commitment to making professional soccer more accessible to fans
www.uslchampionship.com
December 11, 2024 at 10:08 PM
Network Television Audiences - 2024 U.S. Soccer Professional Finals
1. #NWSL - 967,000 (CBS)*
2. #USLChampionship - 431,000 (CBS)*
3. #MLS - 427,000 (FOX)
* - Most-Viewed Games in League History
Seems like something to talk about.
www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/202....
1. #NWSL - 967,000 (CBS)*
2. #USLChampionship - 431,000 (CBS)*
3. #MLS - 427,000 (FOX)
* - Most-Viewed Games in League History
Seems like something to talk about.
www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/202....
ICYMI: Colorado Springs is your 2024 USL Championship winner, but their win means something more.
For @backheeled.com, I break down Saturday’s victory from the tactical angle and make the argument that the Switchbacks are the model for the USL’s future. www.backheeled.com/usl-champion...
For @backheeled.com, I break down Saturday’s victory from the tactical angle and make the argument that the Switchbacks are the model for the USL’s future. www.backheeled.com/usl-champion...
The Colorado Springs Switchbacks embody the USL’s vision, and now they’re champions
Colorado Springs’ win in Saturday’s USL Championship final points to their status as a model club in the lower divisions.
www.backheeled.com
November 24, 2024 at 1:36 PM
ICYMI: Colorado Springs is your 2024 USL Championship winner, but their win means something more.
For @backheeled.com, I break down Saturday’s victory from the tactical angle and make the argument that the Switchbacks are the model for the USL’s future. www.backheeled.com/usl-champion...
For @backheeled.com, I break down Saturday’s victory from the tactical angle and make the argument that the Switchbacks are the model for the USL’s future. www.backheeled.com/usl-champion...
Three days after the Tampa Bay Sun won the inaugural USL Super League title, the team has announced a vision for a 15,000-seat stadium as part of a larger redevelopment that would also include the USL's new headquarters. No start date or cost yet, so there are hurdles to clear like all stadiums.
Tampa Bay Sun FC Unveils Vision for New Waterfront Stadium at Ybor Harbor
Multi-Purpose Development would feature USL's Headquarters in Iconic Urban District, Elevate Women’s Professional Soccer
www.uslsoccer.com
June 17, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Three days after the Tampa Bay Sun won the inaugural USL Super League title, the team has announced a vision for a 15,000-seat stadium as part of a larger redevelopment that would also include the USL's new headquarters. No start date or cost yet, so there are hurdles to clear like all stadiums.
90% of owners approved USL's pro/rel plans, per @anabnos.com conversation with USL President Paul McDonough
NEW: I spoke with USL president Paul McDonough this morning about the historic vote to enact promotion and relegation in the US.
I asked him how binding the vote is, how it's impacted planning for the incoming D-1 league, and whether pro/rel will save us all: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
I asked him how binding the vote is, how it's impacted planning for the incoming D-1 league, and whether pro/rel will save us all: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
USL’s Paul McDonough: promotion and relegation likely in US soccer by 2028
The USL president spoke to the Guardian shortly before officially announcing the league’s historic vote
www.theguardian.com
March 19, 2025 at 3:11 PM
90% of owners approved USL's pro/rel plans, per @anabnos.com conversation with USL President Paul McDonough