For the better part of 2025, clubs across the USL have been trying to answer a simple question: what does it mean to be a first-division organization?
In one sense, it’s an easy question to answer. U.S. Soccer’s Pro League Standards (PLS) lay out criteria for stadium size, ownership wealth, youth infrastructure, and more to determine eligibility. Clear those hurdles, and you’re in – you’re eligible to be part of the USL’s planned Division 1 men’s league.
Still, the process is more involved than checking boxes on an application. As it stands, next to no USL clubs own a stadium that’s Division 1 compliant, and that’s before you consider any of the other requirements. Ambitious organizations are now eyeing major infrastructure projects to keep up, but there’s a tension behind that rush to meet the PLS. A compliant stadium is great, but how are you going to fill it with fans, sell the ad space, and put a winning team on its pitch?
