2026 is here, so what should we expect across the USL?
We know that seven new clubs will debut across the Championship and League One, and this offseason has already been defined by a considerable upturn in spending. Still, plenty of surprises are surely on the way.
With those surprises in mind, now’s a good time to remind you that it’s prediction week here at Backheeled, where we’re taking a crack at predicting the American soccer landscape’s biggest moments in 2026. We’ve already pulled out our crystal ball for the U.S. men’s national team and MLS. Today, I’m turning my attention to the year to come for the USL with 10 predictions, ranging from off-field trends to tactical shifts to players due for a breakout.
Let’s dig in.
Promotion and relegation is pushed to 2028
We’re 15 months out from the alleged start date of the USL’s promotion and relegation system, and absolutely nothing has been formally agreed upon. I’m no expert, but that looks like a recipe for a delay! Think about the logistical questions that need to be agreed upon between an independent league office and a number of clubs that might be pushing 50 by 2028:
