USL Confirms Pro-Rel System Will Make Its Debut in the U.S.

Courtesy: United Soccer League

The United Soccer League (USL) sent shockwaves through the American soccer landscape on Wednesday with the groundbreaking announcement that “a supermajority of club owners have voted to implement a promotion and relegation system”. This historic decision marks the first time a professional soccer league in the U.S. will adopt the globally recognized pro-rel format.

Under this new structure, the USL will establish a three-tiered professional men’s soccer system. The top division, USL Division One, is set to launch in 2027. It will be followed by the USL Championship and USL League One.

This shift puts Major League Soccer (MLS), the current top-tier league in the U.S., at a crossroads. In its 30-year history, MLS has never implemented relegation, opting instead for a franchise-based model. Now, the league faces a pivotal decision to embrace the pro-rel system or risk losing fans who prefer it.