How Many Men’s Soccer Leagues Are There In The US 2024?
In the United States, the most prominent men’s soccer league is Major League Soccer (MLS). MLS is the top professional soccer league in the country and has seen significant growth and popularity since 1996. It is the highest level of competition for men’s soccer in the United States. While it may not have the same historical background as some European leagues, MLS has been successful in developing the sport and attracting both domestic and international talent, especially after Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami CF.
However, besides the MLS, there are also some other leagues in the USA.
Professional leagues
- Major League Soccer (MLS): The top-level men’s league, founded in 1996 after the 1994 FIFA World Cup. MLS has 29 teams as of 2023. https://www.mlssoccer.com/
- USL Championship (USLC): The only sanctioned Division II men’s outdoor soccer league as of 2021. https://www.uslchampionship.com/
- United Soccer Leagues (USL) PRO: The third division of professional soccer leagues. https://www.uslsoccer.com/
- USL League One: A third-level men’s league. https://www.uslleagueone.com/
- National Independent Soccer Association (NISA): A third-level men’s league. https://www.nisaofficial.com/
- MLS Next Pro: A third-level men’s league. https://www.mlsnextpro.com/
Amateur leagues
- USL League 2: A notable amateur league. https://www.uslleaguetwo.com/
- NPSL: A notable amateur league. https://www.npsl.com/
- UPSL: A notable amateur league. https://premier.upsl.com/
Youth leagues
- MLS Next: A youth league. https://www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext/
- ECNL (Elite Clubs National League): A youth league. https://theecnl.com/index.aspx
- USYS (US Youth Soccer): A youth league. https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/
- EDP 1: A youth league. https://www.edpsoccer.com/edp-league
NCAA Soccer Leagues
NCAA Soccer Men’s Leagues has 3 divisions