MLS NEXT PRO TARGETS DIVISION II STATUS BY 2025, ACCELERATING U.S. SOCCER DEVELOPMENT
MLS Next Pro (MLSNP), Major League Soccer’s developmental league, has announced its bold intention to secure Division II status by 2025, signaling a faster timeline than previously anticipated. The league, which debuted in 2022 and currently operates as a Division III competition, has grown rapidly, boasting 29 teams with strong connections to MLS franchises.
“Achieving Division II status by 2025 reflects our confidence in the league’s growth and our commitment to enhancing player development,” said Charles Altchek, MLS Next Pro President. “We’re on track to meet the infrastructure, financial, and competitive standards required, and this accelerated timeline emphasizes the urgency of expanding opportunities for young talent.”
The move to Division II will place MLSNP on equal footing with the USL Championship, presenting new challenges and opportunities. Unlike the more independent structure of the USL, MLSNP’s focus on direct ties with MLS clubs creates a unique developmental pipeline that allows players to transition seamlessly between levels.
To achieve this goal, MLSNP is working on several fronts:
Infrastructure Upgrades: Teams are improving stadiums to meet Division II capacity and facility standards.
Competitive Standards: The league plans to enhance its matchday experience with a focus on parity and competition.
Financial Investment: MLS clubs backing MLSNP teams are injecting resources to ensure compliance with U.S. Soccer Federation requirements.
The accelerated timeline highlights the league’s desire to create a stronger bridge for players aspiring to MLS and beyond. It also ensures fans will experience a higher level of play sooner than expected.
MLSNP’s push for Division II status is seen as a significant step in shaping the future of U.S. soccer, reinforcing its position as a key driver of talent and innovation in the sport. With this goal in sight, the league aims to cement its role in the American soccer pyramid and redefine the developmental landscape by 2025.
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