Promotion and relegation is officially coming to American soccer in 2028

Promotion and relegation is really happening. The United Soccer League (USL) announced on Wednesday it will be implementing a relegation system featuring three tiers by 2028 after a supermajority of club owners voted yes on the idea. 

This system won’t include Major League Soccer which has historically been opposed to the idea.

USL plans on introducing a new Division One league for the 2027-28 season which will be on the same level as MLS in the U.S. Soccer pyramid. The USL Championship (the second tier) and USL League One (third tier) will be part of the relegation and promotion.

Promotion and relegation coming to the U.S.

Promotion and relegation is coming!

The USL becomes the first professional sports league in the U.S. to adopt this global system, marking a major milestone that will reshape the future of American soccer.

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— United Soccer League (@USL_HQ) March 19, 2025

Alec Papadakis, CEO of the USL, said this move will be a major moment in the history of soccer in the country.

"A new chapter in American soccer begins. The decision by our owners to approve and move forward with this bold direction is a testament to their commitment to the long-term growth of soccer in the United States,” Papadakis said. 

“This is a significant milestone for the USL and highlights our shared vision with our team ownership to build a league that not only provides top-tier competition but also champions community engagement. Now, just as it is in the global game, more communities in America can aspire to compete at the highest level of soccer. It’s time.”

Many American soccer fans have been begging for a promotion and relegation system for years with MLS refusing to budge. Now USL has the ball in its court.

“Soccer in the U.S. is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by global events like the FIFA 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. 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,” the league said in a statement.