The United Soccer League has announced “USL Premier” as the official name of its Division One men’s professional league that will top a three-tier pyramid interconnected by promotion and relegation.
Louisville City FC has applied to join USL Premier at its launch for the 2028 season. The club boasts a winning tradition, stellar fan support and trendsetting facilities deserving of a chance to compete at the game’s highest level. Applications are under review by the USL, which will announce Premier’s inaugural members at a later date.
As part of this new structure, the USL is aligning competition formats across divisions to support balanced schedules, credible movement and future expansion. The USL is establishing the following initial framework, which could evolve over time:
- USL Premier (Division One) will operate as a single national table with a long-term target of 20 clubs.
- USL Championship (Division Two) will also operate as a single national table with 20 clubs, strengthening competitive consistency and national reach.
- USL League One (Division Three) will continue to grow nationally while organizing competition regionally, allowing clubs to compete closer to home and build local rivalries.
The USL is set to become the United States’ first professional sports organization to implement a promotion and relegation system. This global soccer model rewards performance, raises the level of competition across all divisions, and delivers more matches of consequence for clubs, players, fans and partners.
Soccer in the U.S. is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be played across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, as well as the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Now is the time to take bold steps that elevate the game, expand opportunities, and position the USL as a leader in shaping the future of soccer in the country.
What is promotion and relegation, and why is the USL implementing it?
Promotion and relegation is a system in which teams are promoted to a higher division or relegated to a lower division based on their performance during the season. The USL is introducing this structure to create a fully interconnected, three-tier professional pathway following the launch of USL Division One.
By implementing promotion and relegation, the USL is aligning with the global soccer model and reinforcing its commitment to long-term growth, player development, and fan engagement. Every match will matter—from the first kick to the final whistle—making the season-long action even more thrilling for fans, players, and clubs alike.
How will the USL’s promotion and relegation system work?
The USL’s professional men’s soccer structure will consist of three divisions:
- USL Division One (newly launched)
- USL Championship (Division Two)
- USL League One (Division Three)
Teams will earn promotion or face relegation based on their season performance, ensuring a dynamic and competitive landscape where ambition is rewarded.
How will this impact clubs and their fans?
Promotion and relegation strengthens the connection between clubs and their communities. Fans will have more reasons to support their teams throughout the entire season, knowing each match has real stakes. For communities, this structure provides a pathway for local clubs to climb the ranks and reach the highest levels of professional soccer, creating new opportunities and fostering deeper local pride.
Fans can expect a more exciting and unpredictable season, where every match has consequences. Whether their club is fighting for promotion or battling to avoid relegation, the excitement unfolds from day one, creating deeper emotional connections, stronger rivalries, and an overall more thrilling experience.
