The wait is finally over. Winter has ended and we are days away from the start of one of the most anticipated seasons in USL Championship history. There’s new teams, new places to watch and plenty of exciting headlines. Here’s everything you need to know as things kick off this Saturday, March 9.

Storylines

Defending champion Phoenix Rising FC is fresh off of its first-ever league championship after defeating Charleston Battery FC in a thrilling penalty shootout last November. As a club that has existed for roughly a decade and has already produced three runs to the championship match, Rising is a great benchmark for how to succeed in a short period of time. But can they keep it rolling this season, or will there be a bit of a hangover for the champs?

A pair of newcomers will enter the fold this season as expansion project Rhode Island FC begins its Championship life, while North Carolina FC makes a triumphant return following a few seasons in USL League One. It will look to carry momentum over from last season’s trophy, while Rhode Island will look to carve a brand new legacy.

The 2024 season will also debut a new broadcasting package for the USL Championship. All matches will be available to watch on a variety of platforms. Some will be streamed on ESPN+ and Paramount+, while others will be broadcast nationally on CBS networks and ESPN networks. This means that 35 matches will be nationally televised, as opposed to last season’s nine.

Lastly, the USL recently announced that 47 of its clubs will be playing in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. There has been speculation regarding the Cup and its participants going forward, but it’s safe to say that the USL will be putting its best foot forward in the 109th running of the tournament.

Top Matches to Watch

• April 6: Louisville City FC vs. Indy Eleven– One of the best rivalries in the Championship will be on display for a national TV audience when these two go head-to-head. 

• June 22: Phoenix Rising FC vs. Charleston Battery FC– It doesn’t get much better than a championship game rematch. The Battery will have a chance to exact their revenge for last year’s defeat, but they’ll have to do it on the road in a hostile environment.
• August 3: Sacramento Republic FC vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC– This one might require a bedtime extension, but it’ll be well worth it as last season’s Eastern and Western Conference champions face off in a battle of heavyweights.

Office Picks

We did some digging around the Sporting JAX office to see who everyone thinks will make it to the championship final and walk away on top of the league at the end of the season. We advise that you take these picks with a grain of salt, as they might end up being a bit ruff.

Steve: Louisville City FC vs. San Antonio FC

Tony: Charleston Battery vs. Sacramento Republic FC

Mauricio: Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Sacramento Republic FC

Morgan: Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. San Antonio FC

Riley: Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Sacramento Republic FC

Cole: Louisville City FC vs. Sacramento Republic FC

Marshall: Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. Sacramento Republic FC

Benny: Bark!

How to Participate

While Sporting JAX may not be a part of this year’s schedule, we’re far from inactive. Other than kindling some early rivalries with USL clubs online, we’ll be getting our boots dirty this season largely in the form of watch parties. 

The first of these will take place on Saturday, March 9 at Island Wing Company – Bartram Market. The action begins at 4 p.m. when Memphis 901 FC hosts Las Vegas Lights FC. Simultaneously, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC will hit the road to take on New Mexico United. 

Swing by to catch the matches and interact with Northeast Florida’s newest professional club bringing the men’s and women’s game to the Jacksonville area. We’ll have fun chances to spin and win, along with Sporting JAX merchandise being available for purchase on-site.

IWC is located at 360 Bartram Market Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32259 near the intersection of Race Track Road and Bartram Park Boulevard/Durbin Pavilion Drive. They have a wide variety on their menu with something for everyone. We look forward to seeing you there!