United Soccer League (USL)

The FIFA World Cup reminded us what is possible when people across the country come together around soccer.   The opportunity now is to build on that excitement and turn it into something lasting.   Across the USL, we saw encouraging signs that the momentum was reaching community-rooted clubs from coast to coast: - Our July 18 national broadcast on CBS drew 453,000 viewers -- the second-highest television audience in USL history. - In several markets, single-game ticket sales increased between 61% and 88% during the World Cup window. - Season-high crowds were recorded across multiple USL markets, highlighted by New Mexico United’s crowd of 14,847 fans. - More than 30 USL clubs hosted World Cup watch parties, bringing together more than 100,000 fans in their communities. And the demand is showing up at every level. - Athletic Club Boise has had nine consecutive sellouts since kicking off in March. - The USL W League Final between Salmon Bay FC and Vermont Green FC sold out in less than two days, with additional standing room only space opened outside the stadium for fans to watch. - Portland Hearts of Pine continues its sellout streak, and when the club announced a USL W League team for 2027, all 5,000 season-ticket deposits were claimed in one hour.   These numbers tell a larger story.   The World Cup was a catalyst, but the foundation was already there: clubs with deep connections to their communities, supporters who have a team to call their own and growing demand for soccer in markets across the country.   That is how we build on this moment - not for one summer, but for the continued growth of soccer in America.   Soccer Lives Here.

The World Cup reminded us why we love this game. The passion. The communities. The belief that soccer has the power to bring people together. Now, the conversation turns to what’s next. Across the United States, soccer isn’t something that happens once every four years. Through clubs rooted in communities across the country, the United Soccer League is creating opportunities for more people to play, support and experience the game close to home. The World Cup may be over. The future of American soccer isn’t waiting. Support your local club. Be part of what’s next. Soccer lives here. Find your local club: https://www.uslsoccer.com/

Start your soccer weekend with USL on CBS.   Two of USL’s most storied clubs go head-to-head this Saturday on a national broadcast.   Last year, Louisville City FC raised the Players’ Shield as the best team in the regular season, but Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC raised the USL Championship Trophy for winning it all. Now these two title contenders will collide in the Steel City.   Don’t miss the next chapter of this epic rivalry. Tune into CBS - Saturday, July 18th at 12 pm ET. 

Another experienced business leader is betting on the future of soccer in the United States. Today's announcement that Jay Farner and Ronin Capital Partners have made the largest investment in Detroit City FC's history reflects a trend we're seeing across the USL. The investment will help support AlumniFi Field, a new 15,000-seat soccer-specific stadium, and a broader mixed-use development that will serve as a year-round destination for sports, entertainment and the community. Across the league, ambitious ownership groups are investing in clubs, stadiums and infrastructure with a long-term vision for growth. As soccer continues to gain momentum in the U.S., the conversation is increasingly shifting from whether to invest in the sport to how to build clubs that create lasting value for their communities. We're excited to see what's next for Detroit City FC and the impact this investment will have on and off the pitch. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eaeYn8sq

The excitement around soccer in the United States continues to build, and as the FIFA World Cup captures global attention, fans are showing up for their local clubs in record numbers.   This weekend, two USL clubs delivered unforgettable atmospheres: New Mexico United extended its undefeated streak in front of 14,847 fans - its largest crowd since 2019.   Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC welcomed 6,376 fans, setting a new regular-season attendance record and marking the second-largest crowd ever for a Riverhounds match at F.N.B. Stadium.   These moments are a reminder that the momentum behind the game extends far beyond the world’s biggest tournament. Across the country, communities are embracing their local clubs, creating incredible fan experiences, and driving the continued growth of the sport.   The World Cup showcases the global game. Local clubs build the future of soccer in America.

Wishing everyone a safe and wonderful Fourth of July! 

Go behind the scenes of the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Final. The latest episode of the “Built for Success” docuseries takes you inside the thrilling championship match between the 2025/26 Players' Shield winners Lexington Sporting Club and the 2024/25 Players’ Shield winners Carolina Ascent FC. From finishing at the bottom of the table in 2025 to capturing both the Players' Shield and the 2026 Championship, Lexington SC completed a remarkable turnaround this past season. Relive the dramatic extra-time finish and hear from players and coaches from both teams as they reflect on the season and share the moments that shaped their championship runs. Watch the full video: https://lnkd.in/efPWAzkx

Trio of star athletes join investment group behind USL expansion club.   OKC For Soccer and Echo Investment Capital announced three of America’s most accomplished athletes are investing in the club and downtown stadium district: NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield, NBA Champion and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams, and Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.   Founding partner and CEO Christian Kanady continues to assemble a coalition of athletes, operators and community leaders to build a world-class soccer club that is deeply rooted in the Oklahoma City community. Mayfield, Williams, and McLaughlin-Levrone join fellow athlete investors Russell Westbrook, Jozy Altidore, and Nik Bonito along with strategic investments by cultural entrepreneur Nick Gross and the Chickasaw Nation.   OKC for Soccer is set to kick off in the USL Championship in the 2028 season. The club will be the anchor tenant of the new MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium, which is currently under construction and will serve as the centerpiece of a new cultural district in downtown OKC.   Read more: https://lnkd.in/e-qdZC6k

Freedom, justice and liberation.   We are proud to celebrate Juneteenth, an important day in American history, which marks the end of slavery in the United States.

Bringing elite performance technology to clubs across the USL Championship.   USL announced today an expanded partnership with Kitman Labs to deploy its Performance Medicine Solution to clubs competing across the USL Championship. The technology is designed to centrally aggregate medical and performance data, which will play a key role in the continued growth and success of USL’s medical program.   Kitman Labs has proven to be a best-in-class technology partner and has experience working with some of the country's top professional sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, and NCAA. Following a successful adoption in the Gainbridge Super League, this expanded partnership reinforces USL’s commitment to raising professional standards throughout the league and providing our clubs, athletes and medical staff with the tools they need to succeed. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eZ6r6-2b