When USL owners voted in March 2025 to launch a Division One league with promotion and relegation, they set in motion a transformation that could reshape American soccer.
Really good breakdown! As a team that’s definitely under USLC or USL D1 norms, I’d like to see some flexibility given so that clubs like AV Alta can rise the ranks, but we’ll see how that plays out practically.
It’s somewhat important to realize that not all of the clubs in Division I USSF standards need to meet the market standard; 75% must. That means a few markets of lesser size can be admitted.
This is true and was noted in the piece. It gives the league some flexibility at launch, but it could create problems later if smaller-market teams earn promotion.
"New Mexico United, beloved in their city, are pushing forward with a stadium project capped at 10,000—short of the requirement—and their metro area of under one million also fails to clear the bar"
I just think the metro population should be worded slightly different there since it doesn't technically matter if they meet that to actually play in D1
I highlighted that team because they are the only one in the major conversation that falls below both the one-million metro population mark and the stadium capacity benchmark. This point also shows that clubs in smaller metro areas can still draw strong support and compete effectively. Looking ahead, it suggests that if promotion occurs, some teams may come from markets under one million people—potentially preventing the league from reaching the 75% threshold.
Glad to have your coverage of republic and Usl!
I enjoy Quail City’s clear narrative and storytelling.
Thank you.
Great article.
Thanks Sharon! Always appreciate the support!
Really good breakdown! As a team that’s definitely under USLC or USL D1 norms, I’d like to see some flexibility given so that clubs like AV Alta can rise the ranks, but we’ll see how that plays out practically.
It’s somewhat important to realize that not all of the clubs in Division I USSF standards need to meet the market standard; 75% must. That means a few markets of lesser size can be admitted.
It adds a bit of flexibility for a USL D1 launch.
This is true and was noted in the piece. It gives the league some flexibility at launch, but it could create problems later if smaller-market teams earn promotion.
not every team has to be above the 1million population market size only 75 percent of the league
That is correct.
just thought it was weird you mentioned it for new mexico in the one section
Due to stadium size being below the 15,000 seat capacity.
"New Mexico United, beloved in their city, are pushing forward with a stadium project capped at 10,000—short of the requirement—and their metro area of under one million also fails to clear the bar"
I just think the metro population should be worded slightly different there since it doesn't technically matter if they meet that to actually play in D1
I highlighted that team because they are the only one in the major conversation that falls below both the one-million metro population mark and the stadium capacity benchmark. This point also shows that clubs in smaller metro areas can still draw strong support and compete effectively. Looking ahead, it suggests that if promotion occurs, some teams may come from markets under one million people—potentially preventing the league from reaching the 75% threshold.
and that's why USsoccer sucks and their dumb PSL hurts the growth of soccer