MLS vs USL: The battle for the crown of US Soccer will not have winners

MLS and USL are battling for the hegemony of US Soccer but fans, players, and cities will all lose this fight

With the announcement of MLS Next PRO, Major League Soccer gave a big step to enter in little cities and small markets as United Soccer League has been doing all these years. The major US Soccer league is seeing the success of the rival organization in bringing soccer to all the country, embracing small communities.

But, just like what happened with NASL, this battle for the crown of US Soccer will not have a winner. If MLS wins (again), USL will probably fold after more than 35 years carrying the pro soccer beyond the MLS. Some clubs will disappear because MLS will not accept two clubs in the same city or area and the fans will lose their clubs. If USL wins (should not happen) the devastating effect will bring all MLS organizations down after almost 30 years of effort.

USL, now a former partner of MLS, will be aggressive in her strategies. European calendar and pro/rel are on discussion for the future and some people are saying the league plans a USL Premier in the future, encouraging big stadiums as Louisville, Tampa, Sacramento, and others.

Any of these scenarios aren’t good for US Soccer fans. A lot of people will lose in this bloody battle. Outside the US, soccer fans will look at this situation and think: “US soccer is a mess“. And let’s be honest: it’s tough to have MLS, USLC, USL1, USL2, NISA, MLS2, and others on your radar at the same time. Almost impossible to follow up.

The better solution, for me, is an urgent interference of the US Soccer Federation. They need to organize the pyramid again, create their own league system with pro/rel, and make everyone happy.

If MLS wins this battle and folds USL like happened with NASL, another rival league will come in the future and we will have this same conversation again. It will never stop and soccer will never develop as should do.