The United Soccer League (USL) announced plans to launch a Division One men’s professional league in 2027-28, bringing the highest-level of soccer to more communities across the country. Locally, those plans could see Sporting JAX, the USL franchise group bringing women’s and men’s professional soccer to Northeast Florida field not only a women’s division one team in the Super League but also a men’s division one team from the USL Championship.
“Today is a defining moment for the USL and the future of soccer in the United States,” said Alec Papadakis, CEO of the United Soccer League. “Creating a Division One men’s league is a bold step forward, expanding access to top-tier competition, deepening the connection between our communities and taking another step in aligning with the structure of the global game. By uniting people through soccer and bringing Division One to more cities, we’re not just growing the sport—we’re creating lasting opportunities while building a more sustainable and vibrant soccer ecosystem in the U.S.”
“We welcome this groundbreaking announcement from the USL and are excited about what the future may hold for the league and our professional teams here on the First Coast,” said Sporting JAX President/CEO, Steve Livingstone. “Our plans include the development of a 15,000 capacity multi-sports stadium on the First Coast to host our pro clubs, and we would be a great position not only to field our Division One Super League women’s team there in the future but also a Division One men’s team should the USL receive sanctioning for a top-level professional men’s league.”
A Division One league – defined by the sanctioning standards of the U.S. Soccer Federation as the highest level for professional soccer in the United States – represents the next evolution in the USL’s structure, establishing a fully integrated pathway for clubs and players. With the USL Championship (Division Two) and USL League One (Division Three) already providing a strong foundation for player development and competition, the new league completes the system, ensuring seamless progression for talent at all levels
“The USL has long been committed to creating a structure that drives growth, opportunity, and long-term success in American soccer,” Papadakis added. “The USL model empowers clubs with greater autonomy and fosters a dynamic, interconnected system—one that allows them to compete at the highest level while remaining deeply rooted in their communities. Around the world, top-tier clubs thrive in cities of all sizes, and we believe the same is possible here. The demand and infrastructure are in place, and the potential for growth is immense.”
The new league will serve as a platform for both rising and established players to compete at the highest operational professional standards in the U.S., further elevating the quality of play within the USL and the level of the domestic player pool for international competitions.
Sporting JAX will take the field at the University of North Florida, Hodges Stadium with a USL Super League professional women’s Division One team this August and will follow with the launch of their men’s team in the USL Championship.
Season tickets for the USL Super League season are on sale and can be secured at www.sportingjax.com/tickets
