USA MLS Explained: Your Complete Guide to Understanding American Soccer Leagues

When I first started following American soccer over a decade ago, I’ll admit I was pretty confused by the league system here. Unlike the promotion-relegation model I grew up watching in Europe, the USA’s Major League Soccer—or MLS—has its own unique structure, and it took me a while to fully grasp how everything fits together. Today, I want to walk you through exactly how American soccer leagues operate, from MLS all the way down to the amateur levels, because honestly, I wish someone had laid it out for me this clearly years ago.

Let’s start with the big one: MLS. Founded in 1996, the league now boasts 29 teams—27 from the United States and 2 from Canada—with plans to expand to 30 teams soon. I’ve always admired how MLS has managed steady growth, but it’s not without its quirks. For instance, the league uses a single-entity structure, which means the league, not individual team owners, holds players’ contracts. This model has helped maintain financial stability, but as a fan, I sometimes miss the drama of promotion battles you see elsewhere. The regular season runs from late February to October, followed by playoffs that culminate in the MLS Cup. And yes, there are some complicated roster rules, like Designated Players (think Beckham or Messi) who allow teams to spend big on star power without breaking the salary cap. From my perspective, this system has been crucial for attracting international talent and raising the league’s profile, even if it feels a bit engineered at times.

Now, here’s where things get really interesting. Below MLS, the United Soccer League (USL) operates multiple tiers, including the USL Championship and USL League One. These leagues are fully professional and have their own passionate followings. I’ve attended a few USL Championship matches myself, and the atmosphere can be electric—sometimes even more grassroots and intense than certain MLS venues. But despite the growth, there’s a lingering sense that lower-tier leagues are struggling to catch up. In fact, I recently read a piece where an analyst named Yee argued that they’re still way too far behind from where they want to be. I have to agree. While USL clubs have made strides in stadium infrastructure and fan engagement, the financial gap between them and MLS is staggering. For example, the average MLS team payroll sits around $13.5 million, whereas in the USL Championship, it’s closer to $1.2 million. That disparity affects everything from player development to long-term sustainability.

Beyond the professional ranks, American soccer includes semi-pro and amateur leagues like the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) and various regional leagues under the United States Adult Soccer Association. I’ve played in amateur leagues myself, and let me tell you, the passion is there, but the resources aren’t. It’s a world fueled by volunteers and local sponsors, and while it’s the heartbeat of the sport, it often feels overlooked. When you step back and look at the entire pyramid, it’s clear that the absence of promotion and relegation creates a ceiling for these clubs. In my opinion, that’s both a strength and a weakness—it prevents the kind of financial freefall that can bankrupt clubs in other countries, but it also stifles ambition. I’ve spoken with owners in lower leagues who dream of climbing the ladder, but without a clear pathway, it’s an uphill battle.

Another layer worth mentioning is the role of MLS Next Pro, a reserve league launched in 2022 to develop young talent. I see this as a positive step, but it’s still finding its feet. Attendance figures are modest—averaging around 1,500 per match—and it hasn’t yet bridged the gap between academy soccer and the first team as effectively as hoped. Then there’s the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, a knockout tournament that includes teams from every level. I absolutely love this competition because it gives smaller clubs a shot at glory against MLS giants. Remember when a third-division team like FC Tulsa nearly upset an MLS side? Moments like that are pure magic, and they highlight the potential of a more integrated system.

So, where does all this leave us? From my vantage point, American soccer is at a crossroads. The ecosystem is growing—MLS expansion fees have skyrocketed to over $325 million per team, and TV deals are improving—but the lower leagues need more support to thrive. If I had to pinpoint one thing that could change the game, it would be implementing pro/rel in some form, even if just between USL and MLS. Sure, it’s a polarizing idea, and I get why MLS owners are hesitant, but imagine the stories it could create. For now, though, we have a unique, sometimes messy, but always exciting landscape. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, there’s a place for you in American soccer—you just have to know where to look.