The USL has approved a historic promotion and relegation system, transforming American soccer.
In a historic move for American soccer, the United Soccer League (USL) has approved a system of promotion and relegation (pro-rel) for its men's divisions, a first in U.S. professional sports. The move, which represents a fundamental change from the closed-league system long employed by top North American sports leagues, will establish an integrated, three-tiered soccer system in the U.S. by 2028.
Teams in the USL under the new regime will be able to transfer between divisions based on how they perform, with the best of the second-tier USL Championship being able to win promotion into the new USL Division 1 league by 2027. Correspondingly, USL League One teams are able to ascend into the second tier by gaining promotion. The model replicates the popular European promotion and relegation system, in which clubs go up or down based on their performance.
USL's move seeks to transform American soccer, providing a route for additional clubs into the top league based on merit and not only money. It may promote development of players, enhance competition, and generate buzz among supporters. The decision has been greeted warmly by most soccer fans who consider pro-rel an open, more merit-based system that can bring the excitement of relegation wars to American soccer, as they are experienced in European leagues.
Still, there are challenges to be overcome. The USL will need to deal with issues such as economic viability for clubs that are promoted, as some may not have the resources to keep up with higher divisions. The USL will also have to make sure it works its way around U.S. Soccer's Pro League Standards in order to protect its format. Through all this, a supermajority of the USL owners approved the move, potentially changing the game in the United States.
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