United Soccer League (USL)

Building the next generation of soccer leaders.   Last week, the USL partnered with the U.S. Soccer Federation for a special Behind the Badge initiative during the U-15/U-16 Men’s Youth National Team Camp at the new Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Atlanta.   The experience brought together USL technical staff from across the ecosystem for networking, professional development and an opportunity to connect with U.S. Soccer’s youth national team environment.    Representing six clubs across the USL Championship, League One, Super League and W League, the group included technical directors, sporting directors, coaches and academy leaders - highlighting the depth of expertise and continued investment in developing soccer professionals across the USL ecosystem. 

Expanding access to higher education.   Since 2021, the USL and Bellevue University have awarded more than 150 scholarships to players and staff across the USL ecosystem as part of a multi-year partnership. Every year, our two organizations partner with United Black Players to award the USL Impact Scholarship to a deserving young student.   This year’s Impact Scholarship recipient is Indianapolis’s Kayla Lacombe who plans to pursue a business degree so that one day she can make a difference in the lives of others by creating programs that expand access to healthcare, education and sports.   Congratulations, Kayla!   Read more: https://lnkd.in/eTWMcTnZ

The USL proudly recognizes the passion, pride and heritage of Hispanic and Latino communities across our leagues and throughout the beautiful game. 

USL’s men’s professional clubs have approved the first revenue-sharing model in league history, marking another important step in the continued evolution of the USL. The model comes one week after the ratification of a new CBA covering the USL Championship and USL Premier and reflects a broader vision for growth – expanding soccer into more communities, creating development pathways for players and coaches, and building meaningful competition that rewards ambition. Across its men’s and women’s leagues, the USL is focused on expanding the game and the opportunities it creates. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gynvpGxp

𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐮𝐩. Athletic Club Boise sold out every home match in its inaugural season, including a USL League One-record crowd of 7,247 in June. Now, the club is moving to the USL Championship for the 2027 season. That support is also driving continued investment. The club will add 3,000 seats to Athletic Club Boise Stadium and begin construction on a new practice pitch and training facility ahead of next season. It’s a great example of what can happen when strong local ownership invests in a region, builds a club from the grassroots up and creates a real connection with the community. As USL Championship President Jeremy Alumbaugh said, "The support and energy surrounding the club in Boise have been remarkable, and that strong foundation makes this a natural next step." A great story about what's being built in Boise: https://lnkd.in/gp3aN3P9

The United Soccer League and USL Players Association have ratified a new five-year Collective Bargaining Agreement covering the USL Championship and USL Premier.   The agreement advances professional standards across compensation, healthcare and player contracts while providing long-term stability for our players, clubs and leagues. Importantly, USL Premier will launch in 2028 under an established labor agreement - providing certainty from day one.   This is an important step forward for the USL and our players, and reflects the continued investment in the professional game across our leagues and clubs.   Read more: https://lnkd.in/eECB7-Am

The Gainbridge Super League docuseries is back, and this season will follow Carolina Ascent FC’s journey to redemption. After two seasons of coming up just short of a championship, the club is back and hungrier than ever.   This season, Ascending will deliver unscripted access to players, coaches and owners during practices, team meetings, sit-down interviews and fly-on-the-wall moments. Episode 1 begins inside preseason training as the team rebuilds, refocuses, and sets its sights on the Gainbridge Super League Fall season.   Watch the full episode: https://lnkd.in/eh84wkiX

Growing the beautiful game on Long Island.   The USL has awarded a USL League One franchise to Long Island, bringing professional men’s soccer to the region.   Led by a local ownership group, USL Long Island is building a community-rooted club that fans can be proud to call their own.   Read more: https://lnkd.in/ebCShsCv

It was another big weekend for the USL. The momentum around soccer didn't end with the World Cup. Fans continue to show up for their local clubs in communities across the country.

Expanding access to qualified athletic trainers across the USL. Player health and safety is a priority for the USL, and we're continuing to strengthen the resources available to our clubs. Today, we're pleased to welcome Premier Sports Medicine, LLC as our preferred supplier of athletic trainer staffing. Through this partnership, clubs will have access to a network of fully vetted, certified athletic trainers in their local markets, making quality athletic training support more accessible across the league. It's another step in our commitment to supporting player health and safety across the USL. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eVDBXiCV