{{Short description|American association football league}} {{Redirect|USL Pro|the 1995–2010 USL professional leagues|USL First Division|and|USL Second Division}} {{Use American English|date=April 2017}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2025}} {{Infobox football league | American = yes | logo = USL Championship abbr light logo.svg | organiser = [[United Soccer League]] | first = [[2011 USL Pro season|2011]] | country = United States | confed = [[CONCACAF]] | conferences = {{Hlist|[[Eastern Conference (USL Championship)|Eastern]]|[[Western Conference (USL Championship)|Western]]}} | teams = 25 | pyramid = United States soccer league system#Men's leagues | levels = 2 | domest_cup = [[U.S. Open Cup]] | league_cup = [[USL Cup]] | champions = [[Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC|Pittsburgh<br />Riverhounds SC]] <!-- Break to preserve infobox width --> | season = [[2025 USL Championship season|2025]] | shieldtitle = Players' Shield | shield = [[Louisville City FC]] | shieldseason = 2025 | most shields = Orlando City SC (3) | tv = {{Hlist|[[CBS Sports]]|[[ESPN]]}} | website = {{URL|uslchampionship.com}} | current = [[2026 USL Championship season]] }}
The '''USL Championship''' ('''USLC''') is a men's professional [[association football|soccer]] league in the second tier of the [[United States soccer league system#Men's leagues|United States league system]]. It is organized by the [[United Soccer League]] (USL) as its premier league for men above [[USL League One]]. Operating under a [[Professional sports league organization#Structure of North American leagues (franchise and minor league system)|franchise model]], 25 teams divided between the league's [[Eastern Conference (USL Championship)|Eastern]] and [[Western Conference (USL Championship)|Western]] [[Athletic conference|conferences]] compete in an annual [[Round-robin tournament|round-robin]] [[Season (sports)#regular season|regular season]], lasting from spring to fall. At the end of the season, the top team overall wins the ''Players' Shield'', while the top eight teams in each conference advance to a [[Playoffs|playoff tournament]] culminating in the [[USL Championship final]], which determines the champion. The league's teams also simultaneously compete in the [[U.S. Open Cup]] and [[USL Cup]].
Playing its [[2011 USL Pro season|first season]] in 2011 as '''USL Pro''', and later the '''USL''', the league formed from the merger of the USL's preceding two pro leagues, after a number of clubs broke away to establish the [[North American Soccer League (2011–2017)|North American Soccer League]]. It was initially sanctioned by [[United States Soccer Federation|U.S. Soccer]] as a third-tier league, but was later promoted to the second tier in 2017. [[Farm team|Reserve teams]] of [[Major League Soccer]] (MLS) franchises also competed in the league from 2014 to the advent of [[MLS Next Pro]] in 2022. The Championship adopted its current name following the re-establishment of a [[USL League One|second pro league]] in 2019. A third pro league, [[USL Premier]], is currently being planned to supersede the Championship as the USL's top league.
As of the [[2025 USL Championship season|2025 season]], [[Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC]] are the current champions, while [[Louisville City FC]] and [[Orlando City SC]] have won the most championships each (2). The current Players' Shield holders are Louisville City FC, while Orlando City SC has won the most Players' Shields (3). Three former USL Championship teams – Orlando City SC, [[FC Cincinnati]], and [[Nashville SC]] – are now MLS franchises.
== History ==
=== Background ===
{{Further|USL First Division#History|USSF Division 2 Professional League}}
=== Founding and first seasons (2010–2012) ===
[[File:USL Pro (2011–2014).svg|thumb|alt=A rectangular badge with "USL PRO" printed on it; the "O" is depicted as a soccer ball.|Logo of USL Pro – the competition's original name from 2011 to 2014.]]
The USL Championship traces its origins to September 2010, when the USL announced the merger of its [[USL First Division|First]] and [[USL Second Division|Second Division]] into the '''USL Pro''', a new league with [[United States soccer league system#Men's Division II|D3]] status granted by [[United States Soccer Federation|U.S. Soccer]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wright |first=Stephen |date=2010-12-17 |title=New USL format a boost for Hogges, says Scope |url=https://www.royalgazette.com/soccer/sport/article/20101217/new-usl-format-a-boost-for-hogges-says-scope/ |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=The Royal Gazette |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="restructure">{{cite news|url=http://usl1.uslsoccer.com/home/464019.html |title=USL Restructures Professional Division |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=September 8, 2010 |access-date=September 8, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101011101750/http://usl1.uslsoccer.com/home/464019.html |archive-date=October 11, 2010}}</ref> The first announced teams were the five remaining Second Division clubs – the [[Charleston Battery]], [[Charlotte Eagles]], [[Harrisburg City Islanders]], [[Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC|Pittsburgh Riverhounds]], and [[Richmond Kickers]];<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/469414.html |title=Battery To Play in USL Pro |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=September 28, 2010 |access-date=September 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001190158/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/469414.html |archive-date=October 1, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://usl2.uslsoccer.com/home/471132.html |title=Charlotte Joins USL Pro |publisher=slsoccer.com |date=October 4, 2010 |access-date=October 8, 2010 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/471990.html |title=City Islanders Join USL Pro |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=October 7, 2010 |access-date=October 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101009083436/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/471990.html |archive-date = October 9, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/475949.html |title=Riverhounds Join USL Pro |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=October 22, 2010 |access-date=October 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009220245/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/475949.html |archive-date=October 9, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.richmondkickers.com/home/464229.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100912173707/http://www.richmondkickers.com/home/464229.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 12, 2010 |title=Kickers Join USL Pro |publisher=richmondkickers.com |date=September 8, 2010 |access-date=September 14, 2010}}</ref> alongside were the Austin Aztex, the lone surviving First Division club, who joined as [[Orlando City SC]] after relocating to [[Orlando, Florida]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Barbaro |first=Nick |date=October 25, 2010 |title=Other Shoe Drops: Aztex Gone to Orlando |url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/sports/2010-10-25/other-shoe-drops-aztex-gone-to-orlando/ |work=Austin Chronicle |access-date=October 8, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/476358.html |title=Orlando City Joins USL Pro |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=October 25, 2010 |access-date=October 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101027025426/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/476358.html |archive-date=October 27, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and a reactivated [[Wilmington Hammerheads FC|Wilmington Hammerheads]], who last played in the Second Division.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spears |first=Dan |date=2011-04-17 |title=Fans finally get to see pro soccer's return to Wilmington |url=https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/2011/04/17/fans-finally-get-to-see-pro-soccers-return-to-wilmington/30858743007/ |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=Wilmington Star-News |language=en-US}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" style="margin:0 0 1em 1.5em; float:right; font-size:95%" !USL Pro charter clubs |- !American Division |- |{{Ubl|'''[[Charleston Battery]]'''|''[[Charlotte Eagles]]''|''[[Orlando City SC]]''|''[[Richmond Kickers]]''|''[[Wilmington Hammerheads FC|Wilmington Hammerheads]]''}} |- !National Division |- |{{Ubl|''[[Dayton Dutch Lions]]''|''[[F.C. New York]]''|''[[Harrisburg City Islanders]]''|'''[[Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC|Pittsburgh Riverhounds]]'''|''[[Rochester New York FC|Rochester Rhinos]]''}} |- !International Division |- |{{Ubl|''[[Antigua Barracuda FC]]''|'''[[Orange County SC|Los Angeles Blues]]'''|''[[Puerto Rico United]]''|''[[Club Atlético River Plate Puerto Rico|River Plate Puerto Rico]]''|''[[Sevilla FC Puerto Rico]]''}} |- ! |- style="font-size:90%" | '''Current members''' (2026) |- style="font-size:90%" | ''Left'' |} USL President Tim Holt initially hoped to launch USL Pro with 14-20 across four [[Athletic conference|conferences]].<ref name="Hammerheads">{{cite news |url=http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/479652.html |title=Hammerheads Return for 2011 |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=November 9, 2010 |access-date=November 12, 2010 |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716110210/http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/479652.html |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="potomac-1">{{cite news |url=http://www.potomacsoccerwire.com/news/460/12906 |title=USL Pro League seeks to embrace regional model |publisher=potomacsoccerwire.com |date=September 14, 2010 |access-date=September 14, 2010 |archive-date=March 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301202123/http://www.potomacsoccerwire.com/news/460/12906 |url-status=dead}}</ref> To that end, the league added the Dayton Dutch Lions, then a [[USL League Two|Premier Development League]] (PDL) team, and the [[Rochester New York FC|Rochester Rhinos]], who abandoned plans to defect from the USL to the NASL.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/476335.html |title=Rochester Rhinos Back in USL |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=October 25, 2010 |access-date=October 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101027030313/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/476335.html |archive-date=October 27, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The league also recruited the [[Puerto Rico Soccer League]]'s (PRSL) [[Puerto Rico United]], [[Club Atlético River Plate Puerto Rico|River Plate Puerto Rico]], and [[Sevilla FC Puerto Rico]]; and the [[Antigua Barracuda FC|Antigua Barracuda]] and [[Orange County SC|Los Angeles Blues]] to form an "International" division for the inaugural 2011 season, while the nine existing USL clubs and expansion team, [[F.C. New York]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/481335.html |title=FC New York set for USL Pro |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=November 17, 2010 |access-date=November 18, 2010 |archive-date=November 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126114717/http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/481335.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> were divided into the "American" and "National" divisions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff Writer |first= |date=2011-01-14 |title=Hammerheads 2011 schedule released |url=https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/sports/mls/2011/01/14/hammerheads-2011-schedule-released/30858528007/ |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=Wilmington Star-News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url =http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/494974.html | title =USL Pro Postseason Format Unveiled | date =January 24, 2011 | work =USL Pro | publisher =Demosphere | access-date =January 25, 2011 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20110129050720/http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/494974.html | archive-date =January 29, 2011 | url-status =dead | df =mdy-all }}</ref>
{{CSS image crop |Location=left |Image=Richmond city stadium cropped.jpg |bSize=420 |cWidth=250 |cHeight=130 |oLeft=75 |Alt=View of a football field with a large stand visible |Description=The first match, a [[Richmond Kickers]] home game, took place at [[City Stadium (Richmond)|City Stadium]] ''(pictured)'' in April 2011.}}
The league's first match took place on April 2, 2011, at [[City Stadium (Richmond)|City Stadium]] in [[Richmond, Virginia]], where the Kickers defeated Orlando City and [[Stanley Nyazamba]] scored the league's first goal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://scsoccerblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/usl-pro-week-1-observations.html|title=USL Pro: Week 1 Observations|website=SC Soccer Blog|date=April 3, 2011|access-date=November 4, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Hugh |title=From USL Pro to USL Championship: The U.S. Soccer Division II league over the years |url=https://gazette.com/sports/switchbacks/from-usl-pro-to-usl-championship-the-u-s-soccer-division-ii-league-over-the/article_e89f9408-fb4e-11ee-8f8a-e317a6e015a3.html |website=[[The Gazette (Colorado Springs)|The Gazette]] |location=Colorado Springs |access-date=December 8, 2024 |date=May 12, 2024}}</ref> Financial issues plagued the three PRSL clubs, leading to their expulsion five weeks into the season<ref>{{cite web |last1=Veronica |first1=Jeff Di |title=BREAKING NEWS: USL drops its 3 Puerto Rican clubs |url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/soccer/blogs/direct-kicks/2011/05/10/breaking-news-usl-drops-its-3-puerto-rican-clubs/2297807/ |website=[[Democrat and Chronicle]] |access-date=February 26, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226042819/https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/soccer/blogs/direct-kicks/2011/05/10/breaking-news-usl-drops-its-3-puerto-rican-clubs/2297807/ |archive-date=February 26, 2025 |date=May 18, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/524777.html |title=USL Reforms Agreement with PRSL |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=May 10, 2011 |access-date=May 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514205255/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/524777.html |archive-date=May 14, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the abolishment of the International division. F.C New York, also beset by financial issues, departed for the [[National Premier Soccer League]] at the end of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2012/01/08/f-c-new-york-folding-after-one-season/|title=F.C. New York Folding After One Season|publisher=IMSoccer News|date=January 8, 2012|access-date=November 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043450/http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2012/01/08/f-c-new-york-folding-after-one-season/|archive-date=December 1, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thesoccerobserver.com/2012/12/18/f-c-new-york-left-without-a-league/|title=FC New York Left Without A League|publisher=The Soccer Observer|date=December 18, 2012|access-date=December 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031023138/http://thesoccerobserver.com/2012/12/18/f-c-new-york-left-without-a-league/|archive-date=October 31, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> As a result, the American and National divisions were replaced by a single eleven-team table for the [[2012 USL Pro season|2012 season]],<ref name="2012 sched" /> during which the Battery won the title.<ref>{{cite web |title=Battery beat Wilmington 1-0, claims USL Pro title |url=https://www.live5news.com/story/19493156/battery-beat-wilmington-1-0-claims-usl-pro-title/ |website=[[WCSC-TV|Live 5 News WCSC]] |access-date=February 26, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226052110/https://www.live5news.com/story/19493156/battery-beat-wilmington-1-0-claims-usl-pro-title/ |archive-date=February 26, 2025 |date=September 9, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Murray |first1=Nicholas |title=USL Cup Final Rewind: 2012 – Arise, Azira |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/710983-usl-cup-final-rewind-2012-arise-azira |website=USL Championship |access-date=February 26, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226052233/https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/710983-usl-cup-final-rewind-2012-arise-azira |archive-date=February 26, 2025 |date=October 19, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
=== MLS partnership and expansion (2013–2016) ===
[[File:USL CUP RBII.jpg|left|thumb|[[Reserve teams]] fielded by [[Major League Soccer|MLS]] clubs, such as 2016 champions [[New York Red Bulls II]] ''(pictured)'', populated the league from 2014 to 2022.]]
Beginning in the [[2013 USL Pro season|2013 season]], [[Farm team|affiliations]] with [[Major League Soccer]] (MLS) clubs began as part of a partnership that aimed to improve "player development, competition and the overall business" of American soccer, according to MLS executive Todd Durbin.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Veronica |first=Nick |date=2013-11-26 |title=Riverhounds become Major League Soccer affiliate |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/other-sports/2013/11/27/riverhounds-become-major-league-soccer-affiliate/stories/201311270092 |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/01/23/mls-usl-pro-reach-deal-restructured-reserve-league |title=MLS, USL Pro reach deal on restructured Reserve League |publisher=mlssoccer.com |date=January 23, 2013 |access-date=January 27, 2013 |archive-date=January 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126060258/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/01/23/mls-usl-pro-reach-deal-restructured-reserve-league |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/690349.html |title=USL Pro & MLS Announce Partnership |publisher=uslpro.uslsoccer.com |date=January 23, 2013 |access-date=February 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126070047/http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/690349.html |archive-date=January 26, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Lovell|first=Darrell|title=USL Pro side Pittsburgh Riverhounds 'a great place to send our players to develop' for Houston Dynamo|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/11/26/usl-pro-side-pittsburgh-riverhounds-great-place-send-our-players-develop-hou|work=mlsssoccer.com|publisher=Major League Soccer|access-date=November 26, 2013|archive-date=August 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150802020821/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/11/26/usl-pro-side-pittsburgh-riverhounds-great-place-send-our-players-develop-hou|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[LA Galaxy]] pioneered the model in 2014 by founding a standalone [[reserve team]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=LA Galaxy go all in on youth movement with signing of 15-year-old GK Eric Lopez |url=https://www.soccerwire.com/news/la-galaxy-go-all-in-on-youth-movement-with-signing-of-15-year-old-gk-eric-lopez/ |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=SoccerWire |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lagalaxy.com/news/2014/01/la-galaxy-announce-usl-pro-team-la-galaxy-ii|title=LA Galaxy announce USL Pro team LA Galaxy II|work=LA Galaxy|access-date=January 29, 2014|archive-date=February 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202095901/http://www.lagalaxy.com/news/2014/01/la-galaxy-announce-usl-pro-team-la-galaxy-ii|url-status=dead}}</ref> rather than affiliating with a USL club, and seven more MLS clubs followed suit in 2015 amid the demise of the [[MLS Reserve League]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Portland & Seattle Launch USL Pro Teams|url=http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/842042.html|website=United Soccer Leagues|date=October 14, 2014|access-date=October 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021095429/http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/842042.html|archive-date=October 21, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2015/01/21/mls-usl-pro-franchises-toronto-fc-ny-red-bulls|title=Toronto FC, NY Red Bulls unveil USL Pro franchises|author=Toronto FC|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=March 21, 2015}}</ref> [[Sacramento Republic FC]] illustrated the league's growing commercial potential, winning the league and nearly doubling the average attendance record in their 2014 debut.
[[File:The Bailey (30079277095).jpg|thumb|right|[[FC Cincinnati]] ''(pictured)'' repeatedly broke attendance records during their tenure in the USL from 2016 to 2018.]]
As the Championship grew to 24 teams, the USL dropped "Pro" from its name,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Montgomery |first=Angus |date=2015-02-12 |title=North America’s USL soccer league launches adaptable logo system |url=https://www.designweek.co.uk/north-americas-usl-soccer-league-launches-adaptable-logo-system/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://www.removepaywall.com/search?url=https://www.designweek.co.uk/north-americas-usl-soccer-league-launches-adaptable-logo-system/ |archive-date=2026-03-02 |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=Design Week |language=en-GB}}</ref> and introduced the "[[Eastern Conference (USL Championship)|Eastern]]" and "[[Western Conference (USL Championship)|Western]]" conferences to the league. It also applied for [[United States soccer league system#Men's Division II|Division 2]] status in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |last=mlssoccer |title=USL unveils new name and logo ahead of 2015 season, announces intent to pursue second-division status {{!}} MLSSoccer.com |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/usl-unveils-new-name-and-logo-ahead-2015-season-announces-intent-pursue-second |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=mlssoccer |language=en}}</ref> Three more MLS reserve teams entered in the [[2016 USL season|2016 season]]<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/07/14/philadelphia-union-planning-create-own-usl-team-2016-its-been-missing-rung-l |title=Philadelphia Union planning to create own USL team for 2016: "It's been a missing rung in the ladder" |publisher=[[MLS]] |date=July 14, 2015 |access-date=August 19, 2015 |archive-date=September 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916040721/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/07/14/philadelphia-union-planning-create-own-usl-team-2016-its-been-missing-rung-l |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=210423918 |title=USL Welcomes Back Orlando City SC for 2016 |publisher=United Soccer League |date=October 15, 2015 |access-date=October 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016014619/http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=210423918 |archive-date=October 16, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sportingkc.com/post/2015/10/22/usl-expands-kansas-city-2016-debut-swope-park-rangers |title=USL expands to Kansas City in 2016 with debut of Swope Park Rangers |access-date=October 22, 2015}}</ref> alongside [[San Antonio FC]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hockman |first=Chris |date=2016-09-04 |title=San Antonio FC, Scorpions: A Look Back at Inaugural Seasons |url=http://sanantonioreport.org/san-antonio-fc-scorpions-a-look-back-at-inaugural-seasons/ |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=San Antonio Report |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=210596401 |title=Spurs Sports & Entertainment Closes in on USL Club |publisher=uslsoccer.com |access-date=December 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223143417/http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=210596401 |archive-date=December 23, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> MLS expansion bidders [[FC Cincinnati]],<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hollingsworth|first1=Chad|title=USL to Expand to Cincinnati in 2016|url=http://scratchingthepitch.com/2015/05/10/usl-to-expand-to-cincinnati-in-2016/|website=Scratching the Pitch|access-date=May 12, 2015|archive-date=October 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008082642/http://scratchingthepitch.com/2015/05/10/usl-to-expand-to-cincinnati-in-2016/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[Rio Grande Valley FC Toros]] – a "hybrid" club with independent ownership, but managed by the MLS's [[Houston Dynamo FC]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-07-17 |title=Valley gets pro soccer team, stadium |url=https://www.progresstimes.net/2015/07/17/valley-gets-pro-soccer-team-stadium/ |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=Progress Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Cincinnati broke the all-time USL record for single-match attendance three times in its inaugural season, with the highest being 24,376,<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2016/05/14/mclaughlins-goal-gives-fc-cincy-1-0-lead-half/84382158/|title=Another record crowd turns out to watch FC Cincy win|last=Brennan|first=Patrick|date=May 14, 2016|work=[[Cincinnati Enquirer]]|access-date=October 7, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Corr |first1=Charlie |title=USL-Record 24,376 Aboard as Cincy Tops OCB |url=https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/698911-usl-record-24-376-aboard-as-cincy-tops-ocb |website=[[United Soccer League]] |access-date=February 27, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250227010725/https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/698911-usl-record-24-376-aboard-as-cincy-tops-ocb |archive-date=February 27, 2025 |date=September 17, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> while [[New York Red Bulls II]] became the first MLS reserve team to win a USL title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/712570?referrer_id=2333971|title=Allen's Hat Trick Leads Red Bulls II to USL Cup|work=USLSoccer.com|date=October 23, 2016}}</ref>
=== D2 status, NASL demise, and restructure (2017–2019) ===
[[File:CINvIND 2018-09-29 - pre-match ceremony (44459648184).jpg|thumb|left|[[Indy Eleven]] ''(pictured)'' were one of four NASL clubs to join the USL amid its collapse during 2017 and 2018.]]
The USL's rise to [[United States soccer league system#Men's Division II|Division 2]] status was accelerated by the collapse of the rival North American Soccer League. Seeking to stem financial losses incurred while playing in the NASL, the [[Ottawa Fury FC|Ottawa Fury]] and [[Tampa Bay Rowdies]] defected to the USL ahead of the [[2017 USL season|2017 season]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://ottawasun.com/2016/10/25/ottawa-fury-fc-confirms-it-will-move-to-new-league/wcm/f78e1746-5ba8-4254-b98d-a538cd2d6326|title=Ottawa Fury FC confirms it will move to new league|last=Baines|first=Tim|date=October 25, 2016|work=Ottawa Sun|access-date=July 4, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/713424?referrer_id=2333971|title=USL Expands with Additions of Tampa Bay Rowdies, Ottawa Fury FC|publisher=United Soccer League (USL)|date=October 25, 2016|access-date=October 25, 2016}}</ref> dropping the NASL membership below the twelve required for D2 status. U.S. Soccer responded by awarding ''provisional'' D2 status to both the NASL and USL,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Straus |first1=Brain |title=U.S. Soccer grants provisional division two sanctioning to both NASL, USL |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2017/01/06/us-soccer-division-two-sanctioning-usl-nasl |website=[[Sports Illustrated]] |access-date=March 25, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513093701/https://www.si.com/soccer/2017/01/06/us-soccer-division-two-sanctioning-usl-nasl |archive-date=May 13, 2020 |date=January 6, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> but for the [[2018 USL season|2018 season]], the USL gained full D2 status, while the NASL was stripped of theirs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/90minutes/mls/ct-90mins-us-soccer-grants-usl-2nd-division-status-20180117-story.html |title=US Soccer grants USL 2nd-division status |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=January 17, 2018}}</ref> A [[Injunction#Preliminary injunction|preliminary injunction]] against the decision was denied, leading to the NASL's collapse and its clubs scattering, <ref>{{cite web|last1=Scupp|first1=David|title=North American Soccer League Misses Shot Seeking Preliminary Injunction, But Appeals the Ruling|url=https://antitrusttoday.com/2017/11/16/north-american-soccer-league-misses-shot-seeking-preliminary-injunction-appeals-ruling/|website=Antitrust Today|publisher=Constantine Cannon|access-date=November 26, 2017|date=November 16, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Kaufman|first1=Michelle|title=Miami FC's future is in jeopardy. A court ruling could save the team.|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article186408428.html|access-date=November 26, 2017|work=The Miami Herald|date=November 24, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Carlisle|first1=Jeff|title=Court denies NASL's appeal for injunction|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/north-american-soccer-league/story/3395055/court-denies-nasl-appeal-for-injunction-to-reinstate-division-ii-status|publisher=ESPN|access-date=February 23, 2018|date=February 23, 2018}}</ref> two of whom – [[Indy Eleven]] and [[North Carolina FC]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://fox59.com/2018/01/10/indy-eleven-announces-it-will-join-usl-for-2018-season/ |title=Indy Eleven announces it will join USL for 2018 season |publisher=[[WXIN]] |author=Tricia Whitaker |date=January 10, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Morris|first1=Neil|title=North Carolina FC announces exit from NASL; club to join USL|url=http://www.wralsportsfan.com/north-carolina-fc-announces-exit-from-nasl-club-to-join-usl/17117843/|website=WRAL Sports Fan|date=November 16, 2017 |access-date=November 16, 2017}}</ref> – joined the USL.
[[File:CINvLOU 2018-05-26 - national anthem (28502628508).jpg|thumb|right|[[Louisville City FC]] ''(pictured)'' won two consecutive championships in 2017 and 2018.]]
Arizona United SC rebranded as Phoenix Rising FC, following its sale to an ownership group that included [[Premier League Hall of Fame]]r [[Didier Drogba]], who also signed for the club.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/scottsdale/2016/11/28/arizona-united-sc-reveals-new-name-and-logo-plus-stadium-plans-2017-season/94569050/|title=Arizona United SC reveals new name and logo, plus stadium plans for 2017 season|work=Alejandro Barahona|publisher=Arizona Republic|date=November 28, 2016|access-date=November 28, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/soccer/2017/04/12/didier-drogba-eying-mls-expansion-joins-phoenix-rising-fc/100394242/|title=Didier Drogba, eyeing MLS expansion, joins Phoenix Rising FC|publisher=Arizona Republic|date=April 12, 2017|access-date=April 12, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39584158|title=Didier Drogba: Ex-Chelsea striker joins Phoenix Rising as player and co-owner|publisher=BBC Sport|date=April 12, 2017|access-date=April 12, 2017}}</ref> Louisville City won back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018, the latter by defeating the Rising in Drogba's final professional game.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lerner |first1=Danielle |title=Louisville City FC captures first USL Cup title with last-minute goal |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/soccer/louisville-city-fc/2017/11/13/louisville-city-fc-captures-first-usl-cup-title-last-minute-goal/855978001/ |website=[[Courier Journal]] |access-date=March 25, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250325132500/https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/soccer/louisville-city-fc/2017/11/13/louisville-city-fc-captures-first-usl-cup-title-last-minute-goal/855978001/ |archive-date=March 25, 2025 |date=November 13, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Creditor |first1=Avi |title=Drogba, Phoenix Come Up Short as Louisville Wins 2nd Straight USL Title |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/11/09/usl-cup-didier-drogba-phoenix-rising-louisville-city |website=[[Sports Illustrated]] |access-date=March 25, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112184539/https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/11/09/usl-cup-didier-drogba-phoenix-rising-louisville-city |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |date=November 8, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Davis |first1=Matt |title=Didier Drogba loses USL Cup final with Phoenix Rising in what could be his last game |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/46137492 |website=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=March 25, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250306212734/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/46137492 |archive-date=March 6, 2025 |date=November 9, 2018 |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> Cincinnati's final season set all-time USL records for single-match attendance (31,478), average attendance (25,717), and total attendance (437,197).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Brennan |first1=Pat |title=FC Cincinnati hoisted its USL championship trophy after defeating Indy XI, 3-0 |url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2018/09/29/fc-cincy-closes-regular-season-home-slate-v-indy-xi/1475331002/ |website=[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]] |access-date=March 25, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130234430/https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2018/09/29/fc-cincy-closes-regular-season-home-slate-v-indy-xi/1475331002/ |archive-date=November 30, 2022 |date=September 29, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=FC Cincinnati breaks another USL attendance record |url=https://www.wcpo.com/sports/fc-cincinnati/fc-cincinnati-breaks-another-usl-attendance-record |website=[[WCPO-TV|WCPO 9 News]] |access-date=March 25, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518175052/https://www.wcpo.com/sports/fc-cincinnati/fc-cincinnati-breaks-another-usl-attendance-record |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |date=October 1, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Attendance Records Set Tone for FC Cincinnati's 2019 Entry to MLS |url=https://www.fccincinnati.com/news/attendance-records-set-tone-fc-cincinnati-s-2019-entry-mls |website=[[Major League Soccer]] |access-date=March 25, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314012428/https://www.fccincinnati.com/news/attendance-records-set-tone-fc-cincinnati-s-2019-entry-mls |archive-date=March 14, 2023 |date=October 2, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> {{Multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | total_width = 220px | image1 = USL Championship abbr light logo.svg | image2 = USL League One abbr light logo.svg | footer = In 2019, the USL was split into the USL Championship ''(top)'' and [[USL League One]] ''(bottom)''. }}
The USL returned to a two-division structure in the [[2019 USL Championship season|2019 season]]. It rebranded its second division league as the '''USL Championship''' and introduced a new third division league, called [[USL League One]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rueter |first1=Jeff |title=Expansion, an All-Star game and MLS affiliates' evolution among the hot topics at USL winter meetings |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1456135/2019/12/12/miami-fc-expansion-and-mls-affiliates-evolution-among-the-hot-topics-at-usl-winter-meetings/ |access-date=December 12, 2019}}</ref> beneath it. Several clubs moved down to the third-division league in 2019, including the Richmond Kickers and the Rochester Rhinos,<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.rhinossoccer.com/news_article/show/943874 |title=Rochester Approved for USL Division III |publisher=Rochester Rhinos |date=August 22, 2018 |access-date=August 22, 2018 |archive-date=August 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812034000/https://www.rhinossoccer.com/news_article/show/943874 |url-status=dead}}</ref> while a new wave of expansion clubs joined the Championship, among them [[New Mexico United]] who set the attendance record that season. [[Nashville SC]], having used the USL as a launchpad for a successful MLS bid, became the 7th Championship club to depart for the MLS in 2020.<ref name="Nash SC to MLS">{{cite web |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/12/20/nashville-awarded-mls-expansion-club |title=Nashville awarded MLS expansion club |last=Rosano |first=Nick |date=December 20, 2017 |access-date=November 12, 2019}}</ref>
=== COVID-19 and the MLS exit (2020–2022) === {{main|2020 USL Championship season|2021 USL Championship season|2022 USL Championship season}}
[[File:Northern Guard Supporters.jpg|left|thumb|[[Detroit City FC]] ''(pictured)'' was one of three [[National Independent Soccer Association|NISA]] clubs to join the USL Championship in a span of three seasons, along with Miami and Oakland.]]
The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant disruption to the league. [[Reno 1868 FC]] ceased operations in November 2020 citing the financial and operational impacts of COVID-19,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ritenhouse |first=Duke |title=Reno 1868 FC ceases operations after four seasons in USL |url=https://www.rgj.com/story/sports/2020/11/06/reno-1868-fc-ceases-operations-usl/6189678002/ |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=Reno Gazette Journal |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Serrano |first=Stephanie |date=2020-11-09 |title=Reno 1868 FC Ceases Operation Due To Pandemic |url=https://www.kunr.org/sports-and-recreation/2020-11-09/reno-1868-fc-ceases-operation-due-to-pandemic |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=KUNR Public Radio |language=en}}</ref> while [[Saint Louis FC]] folded at the end of the same season, with ownership citing both COVID-19 and the impending arrival of MLS expansion side [[St. Louis City SC]] as a factor. Despite the disruption of COVID-19, the league continued to grow, including the additions of [[Miami FC]], [[Oakland Roots SC]], and [[Detroit City FC]], three former NISA clubs across three successive seasons.
[[File:HFDvPGH 2021-05-15 - Hartford Athletic fans (51182009853).jpg|thumb|right|Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the league and its clubs ([[Hartford Athletic]] pictured) continued to experience rapid growth.]]
Two MLS clubs, the [[Philadelphia Union]] and [[Portland Timbers]], withdrew their reserve sides, [[Philadelphia Union II]] and [[Portland Timbers 2]], from the United Soccer League system in 2020.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1128172 |title=Three MLS Teams Withdraw from USL Competition |publisher=United Soccer League |date=October 16, 2020 |access-date=November 4, 2020 }}</ref> The MLS-USL partnership that started in 2014 came to a formal end the following year, when on December 6, 2021, [[Major League Soccer]] announced [[MLS Next Pro]], a Division III league that would begin play in 2022. All MLS clubs with reserve teams in USL Championship or USL League One would be moving their affiliated teams to MLS Next Pro by 2023, except for [[Loudoun United FC]] (although under different ownership).<ref name="NextPro">{{cite news |last1=Bonagura |first1=Kyle |title=Major League Soccer to launch development league in 2022 |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/4415507/major-league-soccer-to-launch-development-league-in-2022 |access-date=June 21, 2021 |work=[[ESPN]] |date=June 21, 2021}}</ref>
=== Potential CBA strike and recent history (2023–present) === {{main|2023 USL Championship season|2024 USL Championship season|2025 USL Championship season|2026 USL Championship season}}
[[File:Nate Miller & San Diego Loyal Players.jpg|left|thumb|223x223px|The [[San Diego Loyal SC]] ''(pictured)'' were one of a handful of teams in the USL Championship affected by MLS expansion.]]
The league continued to feel the effects of MLS expansion in the years following the partnership's end. [[San Diego Loyal|San Diego Loyal SC]] shut down at the end of the 2023 season, citing an inability to find a "viable near- and long-term stadium solution" in a market the MLS had targeted for expansion, with [[San Diego FC]] beginning play in 2025.<ref name="SDUT-2023">{{cite news |last=Ziegler |first=Mark |date=August 24, 2023 |title=San Diego Loyal to shut down; owner asks fans to 'celebrate and not mourn' pro soccer team over final games |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/soccer/san-diego-loyal-sc/story/2023-08-24/pro-soccer-club-san-diego-loyal-fold-usl-championship-landon-donovan-andrew-vassiliadis-torero-stadium |work=The San Diego Union-Tribune |accessdate=August 29, 2023}}</ref> The closure was emblematic of a broader pattern in which MLS expansion had periodically reshaped the Championship's membership throughout its history.
Looking ahead, the most significant development of the recent era has been the USL's announcement in February 2025 of its intent to establish a new Division I league, [[USL Premier]]. The new league would supersede the Championship as the top of the USL's men's league structure,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Becherano |first1=Lizzy |date=February 13, 2025 |title=USL announces plans to start new league that would rival MLS |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/43827636/usl-announces-plans-new-league-rival-mls |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250213185636/https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/43827636/usl-announces-plans-new-league-rival-mls |archive-date=February 13, 2025 |access-date=February 17, 2025 |website=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> with play targeted to begin in 2028.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Abnos |first1=Alexander |date=March 20, 2025 |title=USL's Paul McDonough: promotion and relegation likely in US soccer by 2028 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/mar/19/paul-mcdonough-usl-promotion-relegation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429175601/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/mar/19/paul-mcdonough-usl-promotion-relegation |archive-date=April 29, 2025 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Booth |first1=Chuck |date=March 19, 2025 |title=United Soccer League to bring promotion and relegation to American soccer for first time, starting in 2028 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/united-soccer-league-to-bring-promotion-and-relegation-to-american-soccer-for-first-time-starting-in-2028/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250820034724/https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/united-soccer-league-to-bring-promotion-and-relegation-to-american-soccer-for-first-time-starting-in-2028/ |archive-date=August 20, 2025 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |website=[[CBS Sports]]}}</ref> The Championship would sit at the center of the USL's three tier professional pyramid, with a system of [[promotion and relegation]] connecting it to both USL Premier above and USL League One below.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 19, 2025 |title=USL votes to adopt pro-rel in 2027 when Division One launches |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44315033/usl-votes-adopt-pro-rel-2027-division-one-launches |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319144102/https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44315033/usl-votes-adopt-pro-rel-2027-division-one-launches |archive-date=March 19, 2025 |access-date=March 25, 2025 |website=[[ESPN]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Steiner |first1=Ben |date=March 19, 2025 |title=Promotion-Relegation Coming to American Professional Soccer, per Report |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/promotion-relegation-coming-to-american-professional-soccer-per-report |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319025004/https://www.si.com/soccer/promotion-relegation-coming-to-american-professional-soccer-per-report |archive-date=March 19, 2025 |access-date=March 25, 2025 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Thompson |first1=Andrew |date=March 19, 2025 |title=USL makes history after official adoption of promotion-relegation system |url=https://onefootball.com/fr/news/usl-makes-history-after-official-adoption-of-promotion-relegation-system-40857481 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250325194241/https://onefootball.com/fr/news/usl-makes-history-after-official-adoption-of-promotion-relegation-system-40857481 |archive-date=March 25, 2025 |access-date=March 25, 2025 |website=[[OneFootball]]}}</ref> Several Championship clubs have already begun positioning themselves for the new structure, with [[Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC]] in August 2025,<ref name="pittsburgh post-gazette-1">{{cite web |last1=Babetski |first1=Adam |date=August 19, 2025 |title=Riverhounds' owner plans a $125 million expansion project at its riverfront soccer venue |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/riverhounds/2025/08/19/riverhounds-riveters-highmark-stadium-soccer/stories/202508190065 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819201736/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/riverhounds/2025/08/19/riverhounds-riveters-highmark-stadium-soccer/stories/202508190065 |archive-date=August 19, 2025 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |website=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] |quote=...he was increasing capacity from 5,500 to 15,000 to qualify the Riverhounds for the United Soccer League’s new Division One, which will launch in 2028.}}</ref><ref name="acbj-1">{{cite web |last1=Schooley |first1=Tim |date=August 19, 2025 |title="We'll say not if, but when": The Pittsburgh Riverhounds submit application for new league as fundraising starts for stadium expansion |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2025/08/19/pittsburgh-riverhounds-stadium-expansion.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250819221157/https://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2025/08/19/pittsburgh-riverhounds-stadium-expansion.html |archive-date=August 19, 2025 |access-date=August 20, 2025 |website=[[American City Business Journals|Pittsburgh Business Times]] |quote=We've currently completed our Division One application,}}</ref> followed by [[Louisville City FC]] in September,<ref>{{cite web |author1=Eric Crawford |title=Louisville City FC files formal application for USL’s new top-tier men’s league |url=https://www.wdrb.com/sports/louisville-city-fc-files-formal-application-for-usl-s-new-top-tier-men-s-league/article_729ce8c5-6c53-4c90-a300-a18168741b5a.html |website=wdrb.com |access-date=8 October 2025 |location=Louisville, KY |language=English |date=25 September 2025 |quote=Louisville City FC formally applied to compete in the United Soccer League's planned Division One men's league, club owner Soccer Holdings confirmed to Louisville Business First, a WDRB Media partner.}}</ref> the first to formally apply for USL Premier membership. [[File:CBA Protest OCvLEX 2026-04-18.jpg|thumb|Mid-match protest by [[Orange County SC]] and [[Lexington SC]] players in April 2026, a protest that all teams participated in until a new CBA was finally agreed upon mid-season by the USL front office.]] [[Brooklyn FC (men)|Brooklyn FC]] and [[Sporting Club Jacksonville|Sporting Jax]] both added men's sides for the 2026 season, while [[North Carolina FC]] owner [[Steve Malik]] put the team on a temporary hiatus while trying to find a new stadium that would meet D1 requirements to restart the club in that league. The beginning of the 2026 was plagued with the looming threat of a potential delay or mid-season stoppage of the season, as tensions heated up between the player's association and the USL owners over the signing of a new collective bargaining agreement. Despite negotiations between the players association and the USL front office beginning in early August of 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carlsile |first=Jeff |date=2025-09-30 |title=USL players take social media action amid stalled CBA talks |url=http://espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/46440852/usl-championship-players-cba-social-media |access-date=2026-05-13 |website=espn.com}}</ref> efforts to sign a new CBA before the previous agreement expired at the end of 2025 failed, and the reality of a lockout and a potential cancellation of the 2026 USL Championship season became a possibility.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-05-13 |title=USL Championship faces CBA deadline as talks stall |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/12/31/usl-championship-faces-cba-deadline-as-talks-stall/ |access-date=2026-05-13 |website=Sports Business Journal |language=en}}</ref> Efforts by both sides to jostle for higher influence over the other commenced during the leadup and after the expiration of the previous CBA, with players of both FC Tulsa and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds wearing protest shirts during the 2025 USL Championship final.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-05-13 |title=Players protest relegation plan at USL Championship final as CBA talks continue |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/11/24/players-protest-relegation-plan-at-usl-championship-final-as-cba-talks-continue/ |access-date=2026-05-13 |website=Sports Business Journal |language=en}}</ref>
As a new season approached with little progress made during negotiations, the players association authorized a potential players' strike in early February 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-27 |title=USLPA Authorizes Potential Strike in CBA Negotiations |url=https://www.theblazingmusket.com/uslpa-authorizes-potential-strike-in-cba-negotiations/ |access-date=2026-05-13 |website=The Blazing Musket |language=en}}</ref> With the threat of a players' strike looming, the USL front office stirred controversy and faced accusations of [[union busting]] when just days before the start of the 2026 season, the USL front office sent emails to all players that provided information on how to quit the USL Players Association and cross picket lines.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rueter |first=Jeff |date=2026-03-05 |title=USL emails players about union resignation procedures as strike looms |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/mar/05/usl-cba-email-negotiations |access-date=2026-05-13 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Although a strike was never called, protests were held during each league match by the players, where players would each refuse to play at the start of the game, and later, start of the second half.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Anzidei |first=Melanie |date=2026-03-07 |title=USL Championship players open season with ‘display of unity’ over CBA deadlock |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7095840/2026/03/06/usl-championship-players-silent-protest-cba-deadlock/ |access-date=2026-05-13 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> An agreement was finally reached in early May 2026, and the protests by the players ended.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-05-01 |title=USL, USLPA reach verbal agreement on landmark CBA after lengthy negotiation period {{!}} Goal.com |url=https://www.goal.com/en/lists/usl-uslpa-reach-verbal-agreement-on-landmark-cba-after-lengthy-negotiation-period/blt08770650d772a230 |access-date=2026-05-13 |website=www.goal.com |language=en}}</ref>
==Teams==
{{OSM Location map |float=center |nolabels=1 |width=770 |height=320 |coord={{Coord|35.5|-96.5}} |zoom=4 |shapeD=circle |shape-colorD=blue |mark-sizeD=8 |label-sizeD=12,background,outline |label-posD=east |caption=Locations of [[File:Red circle icon.svg|8px]] '''Western''' and [[File:Tourist-cabin-private-staffed-lodge.svg|8px]] '''Eastern''' Conference teams, and [[File:Circle green icon pb.svg|8px]] ''future'' teams
<!-- Current teams --> |label1='''[[Birmingham Legion FC|Birmingham]]''' |mark-coord1={{Coord|33.5278|-86.8089}} |label-pos1=south |label2='''[[Brooklyn FC (2026)|Brooklyn]]''' |mark-coord2={{Coord|40.5747|-73.9844}} |label-pos2=southeast |label3='''[[Charleston Battery|Charleston]]''' |mark-coord3={{Coord|32.78333|-79.9333}} |label4='''[[Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC|Colorado Springs]]''' |mark-coord4={{Coord|38.8855|-104.6988}} |shape-color4=red |label5='''[[Detroit City FC|Detroit]]''' |mark-coord5={{Coord|42.3922|-83.0489}} |label6='''[[El Paso Locomotive FC|El Paso]]''' |mark-coord6={{Coord|31.811|-106.564}} |shape-color6=red |label7='''[[Hartford Athletic|Hartford]]''' |mark-coord7={{Coord|41.7625|-72.6742}} |label-pos7=west |label8='''[[Indy Eleven|Indy]]''' |mark-coord8={{Coord|39.7601|-86.1638}} |label-pos8=west |label9='''[[Sporting Club Jacksonville|Jacksonville]]''' |mark-coord9={{Coord|30.3291|-81.6591}} |label10='''[[Las Vegas Lights FC|Las Vegas]]''' |mark-coord10={{Coord|36.1791|-115.1326}} |shape-color10=red |label-pos10=northeast |label11='''[[Lexington SC|Lexington]]''' |mark-coord11={{Coord|38.2044|-84.5456}} |shape-color11=red |label-pos11=southeast |label12='''[[Loudoun United FC|Loudoun]]''' |mark-coord12={{Coord|39.1166|-77.55}} |label-pos12=southeast |label13='''[[Louisville City FC|Louisville]]''' |mark-coord13={{Coord|38.2566|-85.7439}} |label-pos13=west |label14='''[[Miami FC|Miami]]''' |mark-coord14={{Coord|25.7525|-80.3781}} |label15='''[[Monterey Bay FC|Monterey Bay]]''' |mark-coord15={{Coord|36.6508|-121.805}} |shape-color15=red |label-pos15=southwest |label16='''[[New Mexico United|New Mexico]]''' |mark-coord16={{Coord|35.110|-106.61}} |shape-color16=red |label-pos16=south |label17='''[[Oakland Roots SC|Oakland]]''' |mark-coord17={{Coord|37.758|-122.375}} |shape-color17=red |label-pos17=west |label18='''[[Orange County SC|Orange County]]''' |mark-coord18={{Coord|33.65|-117.8508}} |shape-color18=red |label-pos18=southwest |label19='''[[Phoenix Rising FC|Phoenix]]''' |mark-coord19={{Coord|33.2701|-111.9785}} |shape-color19=red |label-pos19=south |label20='''[[Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC|Pittsburgh]]''' |mark-coord20={{Coord|40.4417|-80}} |label-pos20=northwest |label21='''[[Rhode Island FC|Rhode Island]]''' |mark-coord21={{Coord|41.8688|-71.3826}} |label22='''[[Sacramento Republic FC|Sacramento]]''' |mark-coord22={{Coord|38.5406|-121.4867}} |shape-color22=red |label-pos22=northwest |label23='''[[San Antonio FC|San Antonio]]''' |mark-coord23={{Coord|29.4167|-98.5}} |shape-color23=red |label24='''[[Tampa Bay Rowdies|Tampa Bay]]''' |mark-coord24={{Coord|27.7681|-82.6331}} |label-pos24=west |label25='''[[FC Tulsa|Tulsa]]''' |mark-coord25={{Coord|36.1602|-95.9889}} |shape-color25=red |label-pos25=northwest
<!-- Future teams --> |label26=''[[Atlético Dallas|Dallas]]'' |mark-coord26={{Coord|32.90722|-96.6353}} |shape-color26=green |label27=''[[USL Pro Iowa|Iowa]]'' |mark-coord27={{Coord|41.5908|-93.6208}} |shape-color27=green |label-pos27=west |label28=''[[OKC Energy FC|OKC]]'' |mark-coord28={{Coord|35.4822|-97.535}} |shape-color28=green |label-pos28=west |label29=''[[Ozark United FC|Ozark]]'' |mark-coord29={{Coord|36.3107|-94.1737}} |shape-color29=green |label30=''[[Reno Pro Soccer|Reno]]'' |mark-coord30={{Coord|39.4889|-119.7872}} |shape-color30=green |label31=''[[Santa Barbara Sky FC|Santa Barbara]]'' |mark-coord31={{Coord|34.4202|-119.8545}} |shape-color31=green |label-pos31=west }} <!-- Only add teams when on the league's club website -->
The following teams will play in the 2026 season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Clubs |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/league-teams |website=uslchampionship.com |access-date=March 2, 2026}}</ref> {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |+Overview of USL Championship teams |- !scope="col"|Conference !scope="col"|Team !scope="col"|City !scope="col"|Stadium !scope="col"|Capacity !scope="col"|Founded !scope="col"|Joined !scope="col"|Head coach |- ! rowspan="13" style="background:#B28350;" |[[Eastern Conference (USL Championship)|<span style="color:black;">Eastern Conference</span>]] !scope="row"|[[Birmingham Legion FC]] | [[Birmingham, Alabama]] | [[Protective Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=mp}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Protective Stadium |url=https://www.bhmlegion.com/club/protectivestadium/ |website=bhmlegion.com |access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 47,100 | style="text-align:center;" | 2017 | style="text-align:center;" | 2019 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Jay Heaps]]<ref>{{cite web |author1=USLChampionship.com Staff |title=Jay Heaps becomes Birmingham Legion FC Head Coach |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1353273 |website=uslchampionship.com |access-date=12 January 2026 |location=Birmingham, AL |language=English |date=12 January 2026 |quote=Club stalwart takes reins for 2026 season after departure of Mark Briggs to new coaching opportunity}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|[[Brooklyn FC (2026)|Brooklyn FC]] |[[Brooklyn, New York|Brooklyn]], [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]] |[[Maimonides Park]]{{efn-lr|name=fn3|[[Baseball park]]}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nalton |first=James |title=New York Pro Soccer Club Brooklyn FC To Play At Maimonides Park, Coney Island |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesnalton/2024/01/19/new-york-pro-soccer-club-brooklyn-fc-to-play-at-maimonides-park-coney-island/ |access-date=January 19, 2024 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 7,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2023<ref>{{cite web |date=June 8, 2023 |title=Brooklyn, N.Y. awarded USL League One franchise |url=https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/1276007 |access-date=December 6, 2024 |website=uslleagueone.com}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 2026<ref>{{cite web |date=December 6, 2024 |title=Brooklyn Football Club Men's Team Launch Moves to 2026 |url=https://www.brooklynfootballclub.com/news/2024/12/06/brooklyn-football-club-mens-team-launch-moves-to-2026/ |access-date=December 6, 2024 |website=brooklynfootballclub.com}}</ref> | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Marlon LeBlanc]]<ref>{{cite web |author1=USLChampionship.com Staff |title=Brooklyn FC appoints Marlon LeBlanc as first Head Coach |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1351268 |website=uslchampionship.com |access-date=12 December 2025 |location=Brooklyn, NY |language=English |date=8 December 2025 |quote=Former Philadelphia Union II manager joins club to lead inaugural season in USL Championship}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|[[Charleston Battery]] | [[Mount Pleasant, South Carolina]] | [[Patriots Point Soccer Complex]]{{efn-lr|name=ss|[[Soccer-specific stadium]]}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Patriots Point |url=https://www.charlestonbattery.com/patriots-point/about-patriots-point/ |website=charlestonbattery.com |access-date=November 15, 2024 |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629120848/https://www.charlestonbattery.com/patriots-point/about-patriots-point/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 3,900 | style="text-align:center;" | 1993 | style="text-align:center;" | 2011 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ben Pirmann]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Battery appoint Ben Pirmann as Head Coach |url=https://www.charlestonbattery.com/news/2022/11/17/battery-appoint-ben-pirmann-as-head-coach/ |website=charlestonbattery.com |access-date=November 12, 2024 |date=November 17, 2022}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|[[Detroit City FC]] | [[Hamtramck, Michigan]] | [[Keyworth Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=mp}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Keyworth Stadium |url=https://www.detcityfc.com/matchday/stadium-guide/ |website=detcityfc.com |access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref>{{efn-lr|name=ss|[[Soccer-specific stadium]]}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Detroit City FC Acquires Land in Southwest Detroit To Build Soccer-Specific Stadium |url=https://www.detcityfc.com/news/2024/05/16/dcfc-acquires-land-for-stadium/ |website=detcityfc.com |access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 7,933 | style="text-align:center;" | 2012 | style="text-align:center;" | 2022 | {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Danny Dichio]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Detroit City Football Club Names Danny Dichio As Head Coach |url=https://www.detcityfc.com/news/2023/11/29/dcfc-dichio-announcement/ |website=detcityfc.com |access-date=November 12, 2024 |date=November 29, 2023}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|[[Hartford Athletic]] | [[Hartford, Connecticut]] | [[Trinity Health Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=ss}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Trinity Health Stadium |url=https://www.hartfordathletic.com/trinity-health-stadium/ |website=hartfordathletic.com |access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 5,500 | style="text-align:center;" | 2018 | style="text-align:center;" | 2019 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Brendan Burke (soccer)|Brendan Burke]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hartford Athletic appoints Brendan Burke as new Head Coach |date=December 12, 2023 |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1294043 |access-date=December 13, 2023 |publisher=USL Championship |language=en-US}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|[[Indy Eleven]] | [[Indianapolis|Indianapolis, Indiana]] | [[IU Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium|Carroll Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=mp}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Carroll Stadium |url=https://www.indyeleven.com/news/2024/03/20/carroll-stadium-know-before-you-go/ |website=indyeleven.com |access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 10,524 | style="text-align:center;" | 2013 | style="text-align:center;" | 2018 | {{Flagicon|ENG}} [[Sean McAuley]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indy Eleven Announces Sean McAuley as Head Coach |url=https://www.indyeleven.com/news/2024/01/08/indy-eleven-announces-sean-mcauley-as-head-coach/ |access-date=January 8, 2024 |website=Indy Eleven |language=en-US}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|[[Loudoun United FC]] | [[Leesburg, Virginia]] |[[Segra Field]]{{efn-lr|name=ss}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Segra Field |url=https://www.loudoununitedfc.com/segrafield/ |website=loudoununitedfc.com |access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 5,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2018 | style="text-align:center;" | 2019 | {{Flagicon|AUS}} [[Anthony Limbrick]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Loudoun United FC Announces Anthony Limbrick as Head Coach |url=https://www.loudoununitedfc.com/news/2026/01/12/loudoun-united-fc-announces-anthony-limbrick-as-head-coach/ |access-date=2026-02-05 |website=Loudoun United FC |language=en-US}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|[[Louisville City FC]] | [[Louisville, Kentucky]] | [[Lynn Family Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=ss}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Lynn Family Stadium |url=https://lynnfamilystadium.com/ |website=lynnfamilystadium.com |access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 15,304 | style="text-align:center;"| 2014 | style="text-align:center;"| 2015 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Danny Cruz]]<ref>{{cite web |author1=LouCity Communications |title=LouCity signs coach Cruz to contract extension through 2025 |url=https://www.loucity.com/news/2023/03/02/loucity-signs-coach-cruz-to-contract-extension-through-2025/ |website=loucity.com |access-date=November 12, 2024 |date=March 2, 2023}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|[[Miami FC]] |[[University Park, Florida]] |[[FIU Stadium|Pitbull Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=mp|[[Multi-purpose stadium|Shared facility]]; not a soccer-specific stadium}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Borer |first1=Sarah |title=Miami FC Announces Landmark Agreement with Sports Performance Hub (SPH) As County Approves Major Site Plan |url=https://www.miamifc.com/news/2024/11/25/miami-fc-announces-landmark-agreement-with-sports-performancehub-sph-as-county-approves-major-site-plan/ |website=miamifc.com |access-date=December 5, 2024 |date=November 25, 2024}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 20,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2015 | style="text-align:center;" | 2020 | {{flagicon|ARG}} Gastόn Maddoni<ref>{{cite web |author1=MFC Communications |title=Miami FC Announces Gastόn Maddoni as Head Coach |url=https://www.miamifc.com/news/2025/01/23/miami-fc-announces-gast%CF%8Cn-maddoni-as-head-coach/ |website=miamifc.com |access-date=August 2, 2025 |date=January 23, 2025}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|[[Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC]] | [[Pittsburgh|Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]] | [[Highmark Stadium (Pennsylvania)|F.N.B. Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=ss}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Highmark Stadium (Pittsburgh) |url=https://www.riverhounds.com/highmark-stadium/ |website=riverhounds.com |access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 5,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 1998 | style="text-align:center;" | 2011 | {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Rob Vincent]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Rob Vincent named head coach |url=https://www.riverhounds.com/news/2025/12/19/rob-vincent-named-head-coach/ |website=riverhounds.com |access-date=December 21, 2025 |date=December 21, 2025}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|[[Rhode Island FC]] | [[Pawtucket, Rhode Island]] | [[Centreville Bank Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=ss|[[Soccer-specific stadium]]}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Centreville Bank Stadium |url=https://www.rhodeislandfc.com/centreville-bank-stadium/ |website=www/rhodeislandfc.com |access-date=April 10, 2025}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 10,500 | style="text-align:center;" | 2019 | style="text-align:center;" | 2024 | {{flagicon|BER}} [[Khano Smith]]<ref>{{cite web |author1=Erika |title=Rhode Island FC Names Khano Smith as Club's First Head Coach and General Manager |url=https://www.rhodeislandfc.com/news/rhode-island-fc-names-khano-smith-as-clubs-first-head-coach-and-general-manager/ |website=rhodeislandfc.com |access-date=November 12, 2024 |date=March 8, 2023}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|[[Sporting Club Jacksonville]] | [[Jacksonville|Jacksonville, Florida]] | [[Hodges Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=mp}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Hodges Stadium |url=https://www.sportingjax.com/hodges-stadium/ |website=sportingjax.com |access-date=13 December 2025}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 12,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2022 | style="text-align:center;" | 2026<ref>{{cite web |author1=Sporting JAX Staff |date=October 30, 2025 |title=Sporting JAX brings men’s professional soccer back to Jacksonville |url=https://www.sportingjax.com/news/2025/10/30/sporting-jax-brings-mens-professional-soccer-back-to-jacksonville/ |access-date=October 31, 2025 |website=sportingjax.com}}</ref> |{{flagicon|SCO}} [[Liam Fox (footballer)|Liam Fox]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Liam Fox named first Head Coach of Sporting JAX’s Men’s Team |url=https://www.sportingjax.com/news/2025/11/04/liam-fox-named-first-head-coach-of-sporting-jaxs-mens-team/ |access-date=2026-02-05 |website=Sporting JAX |language=en-US}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|[[Tampa Bay Rowdies]] | [[St. Petersburg, Florida]] | [[Al Lang Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=fn3|[[Baseball park]]}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Al Lang |url=https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/al-lang-stadium/ |website=rowdiessoccer.com |access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 7,227 | style="text-align:center;" | 2008 | style="text-align:center;" | 2017 | {{flagicon|ENG}} Dominic Casciato<ref>{{cite web |author1=Rowdies Communications |title=Rowdies Name Dominic Casciato as Head Coach |url=https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news/2025/07/08/rowdies-name-dominic-casciatio-as-head-coach/ |website=rowdiessoccer.com |access-date=6 September 2025 |location=ST. PETERSBURG, Fla |language=English |date=8 July 2025 |quote=The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced today that two-time USL League One Coach of the Year Dominic Casciato has signed on to lead the club as head coach.}}</ref> |- ! rowspan="12" style="background:black;" |[[Western Conference (USL Championship)|<span style="color:#B28350;">Western Conference</span>]] !scope="row"|[[Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC]] | [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]] | [[Weidner Field]]{{efn-lr|name=ss}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Weidner Field |url=https://www.weidnerfield.com/ |website=weidnerfield.com |access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 8,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2013 | style="text-align:center;" | 2015 | {{flagicon|IRE}} [[Alan McCann]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Purslow |first=Ashley |title=Switchbacks FC Announce Alan McCann as the New Head Coach |url=https://www.switchbacksfc.com/news/2025/11/switchbacks-fc-announce-alan-mccann-as-the-new-head-coach/ |access-date=2025-12-13 |website=Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC |language=en-US}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|[[El Paso Locomotive FC]] | [[El Paso, Texas]] | [[Southwest University Park]]{{efn-lr|name=fn3|[[Baseball park]]}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Southwest University Park |url=https://www.southwestuniversitypark.com/ |website=southwestuniversitypark.com |access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 9,500 | style="text-align:center;" | 2018 | style="text-align:center;" | 2019 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Junior Gonzalez (soccer)|Junior Gonzalez]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=El Paso Locomotive FC Appoint Junior Gonzalez as New Head Coach |url=https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/news/2025/12/29/el-paso-locomotive-fc-appoint-junior-gonzalez-as-new-head-coach/ |access-date=2026-02-05 |website=El Paso Locomotive FC |language=en-US}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|[[Las Vegas Lights FC]] | [[Las Vegas|Las Vegas, Nevada]] | [[Cashman Field]]{{efn-lr|name=ss}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Cashman Field |url=https://www.lasvegaslightsfc.com/about-lv/cashman-field/ |website=lasvegaslightsfc.com |access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=USL's Lights FC to move to new Vegas venue after '26 season |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/03/25/usls-lights-fc-to-move-to-new-vegas-venue-after-26-season/ |access-date=June 6, 2025 |work=Sports Business Journal |date=March 25, 2025}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 9,334 | style="text-align:center;" | 2017 | style="text-align:center;" | 2018 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Devin Rensing]]<ref>{{cite news |last=Webster |first=Danny |date=August 4, 2025 |title=Lights hire new coach seeking to end lengthy losing streak |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/lights/lights-hire-new-coach-seeking-to-end-lengthy-losing-streak-3409403/ |work=[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]] |accessdate=August 15, 2025}}</ref> |- !scope="row"| [[Lexington SC]] | [[Lexington, Kentucky]] | [[Lexington SC Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=ss}}<ref>{{cite web |author1=jbrambley |title=Lexington Sporting Club Announces New State of the Art Stadium |url=https://www.lexsporting.com/news/lexington-sporting-club-announces-new-state-of-the-art-stadium/ |website=lexsporting.com |access-date=November 12, 2024 |date=October 10, 2023}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 7,500 | style="text-align:center;" | 2021<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 5, 2021 |title=United Soccer League Welcomes Lexington Pro Soccer as League One Expansion Club |url=https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/1187030-united-soccer-league-welcomes-lexington-pro-soccer-as-league-one-expansion-club |access-date=October 22, 2022 |website=USLLeagueOne.com |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 22, 2022 |title=Lexington Sporting Club Reveal Brand Identity |url=https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/1217223-lexington-sporting-club-reveal-brand-identity |access-date=October 22, 2022 |website=USLLeagueOne.com |language=en-us}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 2025<ref>{{cite web |title=Lexington Sporting Club to join USL Championship for 2025 season |url=https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/1315914 |website=uslsoccer.com |date=August 13, 2024 |access-date=August 13, 2024}}</ref> | {{flagicon|JAP}} [[Masaki Hemmi]]<ref>{{cite web |author1=ngalbreath |title=Masaki Hemmi Named Men’s Head Coach, Kosuke Kimura Named Women’s Head Coach for Lexington Sporting Club |url=https://www.lexsporting.com/news/masaki-hemmi-named-mens-head-coach-kosuke-kimura-named-womens-head-coach-for-lexington-sporting-club/ |website=lexsporting.com |access-date=12 December 2025 |location=Lexington, KY |language=English |date=9 December 2025 |quote=Lexington Sporting Club on Tuesday appointed Masaki “Mac” Hemmi as head coach of its USL Championship squad.}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|[[Monterey Bay FC]] | [[Seaside, California]] | [[Cardinale Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=ss}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Cardinale Stadium |url=https://www.montereybayfc.com/stadium/ |website=montereybayfc.com |access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 6,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2021 | style="text-align:center;" | 2022 | {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Jordan Stewart (footballer, born 1982)|Jordan Stewart]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vargo |first1=Steven |title=Monterey Bay F.C. Begins New Era, Names former English Premier League and SJ Earthquakes Defender Jordan Stewart Permanent Head Coach |url=https://www.montereybayfc.com/news/2024/08/05/mbfc-hires-jordan-stewart/ |website=montereybayfc.com |access-date=November 12, 2024 |date=August 5, 2024}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|[[New Mexico United]] | [[Albuquerque, New Mexico]] | [[Isotopes Park|Rio Grande Credit Union Field]]{{efn-lr|name=fn3|[[Baseball park]]}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park |url=https://www.newmexicoutd.com/rgcufieldatisotopespark/ |website=nexmexicoutd.com |access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref>{{efn-lr|name=ss|[[Soccer-specific stadium]]}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Albuquerque City Council Approves Lease Between New Mexico United & City of Albuquerque for Private Construction of Soccer Stadium at Balloon Fiesta Park |url=https://www.newmexicoutd.com/news/2023/11/20/albuquerque-city-council-approves-lease-between-new-mexico-united-city-of-albuquerque-for-private-construction-of-soccer-stadium-at-balloon-fiesta-park/ |website=newmexicoutd.com |access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 13,500 | style="text-align:center;" | 2018 | style="text-align:center;" | 2019 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Dennis_Sanchez_(soccer)|Dennis Sanchez]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Barillas |first1=Delmy |title=NEW MEXICO UNITED ANNOUNCES ADDITION OF HEAD COACH DENNIS SANCHEZ |url=https://www.newmexicoutd.com/news/2024/12/24/new-mexico-united-announces-addition-of-head-coach-dennis-sanchez/ |website=newmexicoutd.com |access-date=August 2, 2025 |date=December 24, 2024}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|[[Oakland Roots SC]] | [[Oakland, California]] | [[Oakland Coliseum]]{{efn-lr|name=mp}} | style="text-align:center;" | 15,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2018 | style="text-align:center;" | 2021 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Ryan Martin (soccer coach)|Ryan Martin]]<ref>{{cite web |author1=Oakland Roots SC |title=Oakland Roots Sports Club Name Veteran USL Coach Ryan Martin as New Head Coach |url=https://www.oaklandrootssc.com/news/2025/11/18/oakland-roots-sports-club-name-veteran-usl-coach-ryan-martin-as-new-head-coach/ |website=oaklandrootssc.com |access-date=12 December 2025 |location=Oakland, CA |language=English |date=18 November 2025 |quote=Oakland Roots SC have appointed Ryan Martin as the club’s new Head Coach to lead the team into the 2026 USL Championship season.}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|[[Orange County SC]] | [[Irvine, California]] | [[Championship Soccer Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=ss}}<ref>{{cite web |author1=Orange County SC Communications |title=Ten More Years for Orange County Soccer Club in Irvine |url=https://www.orangecountysoccer.com/news/2023/10/11/ten-more-years-for-orange-county-soccer-club-in-irvine/ |website=orangecountysoccerclub.com |access-date=November 13, 2024 |date=October 11, 2023}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 5,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2010 | style="text-align:center;" | 2011 | {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Danny Stone (footballer)|Danny Stone]]<ref>{{cite web |author1=Orange County SC Communications |title=ORANGE COUNTY SC ANNOUNCE DANNY STONE AS HEAD COACH FOR 2025 USL CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON |url=https://www.orangecountysoccer.com/news/2024/12/12/orange-county-sc-announce-danny-stone-as-head-coach-for-2025-usl-championship-season/ |website=orangecountysoccer.com |access-date=2 October 2025 |location=Irvine, CA |language=English |date=12 December 2024 |quote=After a successful run as interim head coach leading the Black and Orange to the Western Conference Semifinal, Orange County SC has removed the interim tag and signed Danny Stone to a new contract as head coach. Stone becomes the 11th head coach in club history.}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|[[Phoenix Rising FC]] | [[Phoenix, Arizona]] | [[Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=ss}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://soccerstadiumdigest.com/2022/11/phoenix-rising-fc-stadium-to-be-moved-to-east-side-of-phoenix/|title=Phoenix Rising FC stadium to be moved to east side of Phoenix|website=Soccer Stadium Digest|date=November 16, 2022}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 10,000 | colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| 2014 | {{flagicon|NOR}} [[Pa-Modou Kah]]<ref>{{cite web |author1=thill |title=Phoenix Rising Names Pa-Modou Kah Head Coach |url=https://www.phxrisingfc.com/news/phoenix-rising-names-pa-modou-kah-head-coach/ |website=phxrisingfc.com |access-date=August 2, 2025 |date=November 18, 2024}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|[[Sacramento Republic FC]] | [[Sacramento, California]] | [[Heart Health Park]]{{efn-lr|name=ss}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Heart Health Park |url=https://www.sacrepublicfc.com/stadium/ |website=sacrepublicfc.com |access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref>{{efn-lr|name=ss|[[Soccer-specific stadium]]}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Republic Stadium at The Railyards |url=https://www.sacrepublicfc.com/republic-stadium/ |website=sacrepublicfc.com |access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 11,569 | style="text-align:center;" | 2012 | style="text-align:center;" | 2014 | {{flagicon|SCO}} [[Neill Collins]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Macht |first=Daniel |date=December 21, 2024 |title=Sacramento Republic FC names former 'coach of the year' Neill Collins as its next head coach |url=https://www.kcra.com/article/sacramento-republic-fc-neill-collins-head-coach/63254999 |access-date=December 22, 2024 |website=KCRA |language=en}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|[[San Antonio FC]] | [[San Antonio|San Antonio, Texas]] | [[Toyota Field]]{{efn-lr|name=ss}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Toyota Field |url=https://www.sanantoniofc.com/toyotafield/ |website=sanantoniofc.com |access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 8,296 | colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"| 2016 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Carlos Llamosa]]<ref>{{cite web |author1=SAFC Communications |title=San Antonio FC Announces Carlos Llamosa as Head Coach |url=https://www.sanantoniofc.com/news/2024/12/16/san-antonio-fc-announces-carlos-llamosa-as-head-coach/ |website=sananoniofc.com |access-date=June 7, 2025 |date=December 16, 2024}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|[[FC Tulsa]] | [[Tulsa, Oklahoma]] | [[Oneok Field]]{{efn-lr|name=fn3|[[Baseball park]]}}<ref>{{cite web |title=ONEOK Field |url=https://www.milb.com/tulsa/ballpark/oneok-field |website=[[Minor League Baseball]] |access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 7,833 | style="text-align:center;" | 2013 | style="text-align:center;" | 2015 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Luke Spencer (soccer)|Luke Spencer]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fctulsa.com/news/2024/11/13/fc-tulsa-promotes-luke-spencer-to-head-coach-mario-sanchez-to-focus-on-technical-director-role/ |title=FC Tulsa Promotes Luke Spencer to Head Coach, Mario Sanchez to Focus on Technical Director Role |publisher=FC Tulsa |website=fctulsa.com |last=Creider |first=Ben |date=November 13, 2024|access-date=November 13, 2024}}</ref> |}
=== Expansion teams === {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |+Overview of USL Championship planned teams |- !scope="col"| Team !scope="col"| City !scope="col"| Stadium !scope="col"| Capacity !scope="col"| Founded !scope="col"| Joining !scope="col"| Head coach |- ! scope="row" | [[Atlético Dallas]]<ref>{{cite web |title=NEWS: USL Dallas Officially Launches Atlético Dallas, the Newest Men’s Professional Soccer Team in North Texas |url=https://www.atleticodallas.com/news/2025/05/02/usl-dallas-officially-launches-atletico-dallas-the-newest-mens-professional-soccer-team-in-north-texas/ |website=atleticodallas.com |access-date=February 10, 2026 |date=May 2, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1324166 |title=United Soccer League welcomes USL Dallas to the USL Championship |publisher=United Soccer League |date=November 19, 2024 |access-date=November 19, 2024}}</ref> | [[Dallas|Dallas, Texas]] | [[Cotton Bowl (stadium)|Cotton Bowl]]{{efn-lr|name=mp}}<ref>{{cite web |author1=USLChampionship.com Staff |title=Atlético Dallas to call historic Cotton Bowl Stadium home |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1341035 |website=uslchampionship.com |access-date=June 13, 2025 |date=June 11, 2025}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 90,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2024 | style="text-align:center;" | 2027<ref>{{cite web |title=United Soccer League welcomes USL Dallas to the USL Championship |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1324166 |website=uslchampionship.com |access-date=May 3, 2025 |date=November 19, 2024}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Peter Luccin]]<ref>{{cite web |title=NEWS: Atlético Dallas Appoints Peter Luccin as First Team Manager |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1324166 |website=atleticodallas.com |access-date=February 10, 2026 |date=February 10, 2026}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | [[Santa Barbara Sky FC]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 12, 2024 |title=USL Championship's Memphis 901 FC to transfer rights to Santa Barbara: Sources |url=https://www.givemesport.com/usl-championships-memphis-to-transfer-rights-to-santa-barbara-sources/ |access-date=November 13, 2024 |website=givemesport.com |language=en-us}}</ref> | [[Santa Barbara, California]] | [[Harder Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=mp|[[Multi-purpose stadium|Shared facility]]; not a soccer-specific stadium}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Harder Stadium Announced As New Home Of Santa Barbara Sky FC |url=https://ucsbgauchos.com/news/2024/6/18/general-harder-stadium-announced-as-new-home-of-santa-barbara-sky-fc.aspx |website=ucsbgauchos.com |access-date=November 15, 2024}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 17,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2022 | style="text-align:center;" | 2027<ref>{{cite web |author1=Santa Barbara Sky FC |title=Inaugural Season Update |url=https://www.santabarbaraskyfc.com/update/ |website=santabarbaraskyfc.com |access-date=4 October 2025 |location=Santa Barbara, CA |language=English |date=3 October 2025 |quote=After careful evaluation, we’ve decided that Santa Barbara Sky will not be kicking off next season as planned. This doesn’t mean we’re slowing down. We’re finalizing the ownership group and preparing for sanctioning, with a plan to take the field in March 2027.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Santa Barbara Sky Social Media Team |title=An important update from the club about our inaugural season. |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DPWDpYfDvv4/ |website=Instagram.com |access-date=4 October 2025 |location=Santa Barbara, CA |language=English |format=Instagram Post |date=3 October 2025 |quote=We're finalizing the ownership group and preparing for sanctioning, with a plan to take the field in March 2027. |trans-title=Una actualización importante del club sobre nuestra temporada inaugural.}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | |- !scope="row"| [[Reno Pro Soccer]]<ref>{{cite web |author1=Jim Krajewski |url=https://www.rgj.com/story/sports/2025/10/16/reno-usl-soccer-team-new-stadium-march-2027/86734281007/|title=Reno officially lands USL soccer team. Stadium renderings unveiled|website=Reno Gazette Journal|access-date=October 17, 2025|date=October 16, 2025}}</ref> | [[Reno|Reno, Nevada]] | Reno Soccer Stadium <ref>{{cite web|last=Murray|first=Chris|url= https://nevadasportsnet.com/news/reporters/the-next-steps-for-reno-pro-soccers-push-to-bring-the-usl-back-to-northern-nevada |title=The next steps for Reno Pro Soccer's push to bring the USL back to Northern Nevada|website=Nevada Sports Net|access-date=February 24, 2026|date=October 17, 2025}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 6,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2025 | style="text-align:center;" | 2028<ref>{{cite web |author1=Jim Krajewski |title= Reno's soccer stadium project delays opening to 2028 |url= https://www.rgj.com/story/sports/2026/04/29/reno-pro-soccer-stadium-project-delays-opening-to-2028/89863171007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=false&gca-epti=z113326p001650c001650e004900v113326&gca-ft=57&gca-ds=sophi&gnt-djm=1 |website=renogazettejournal.com |access-date=April 30, 2026 |date=April 30, 2026}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | |- !scope="row"| [[Ozark United FC]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 12, 2023 |title=Professional Soccer Landing in Northwest Arkansas |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1279021-professional-soccer-landing-in-northwest-arkansas |access-date=July 12, 2023 |website=USL Championship |language=en-us}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=July 12, 2023 |title=Pro soccer teams coming to Northwest Arkansas {{!}} What to know |url=https://www.5newsonline.com/article/sports/pro-soccer-teams-northwest-arkansas/527-9d419dad-4806-4e98-baa7-019c820663e8 |access-date=July 12, 2023 |website=5newsonline.com |language=en-US}}</ref> | [[Rogers, Arkansas]] | Ozark United Stadium{{efn-lr|name=ss|[[Soccer-specific stadium]]}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Swaim |first1=Kyler |title=Ozark United FC names strategic advisor to support stadium, entertainment district development |url=https://www.nwahomepage.com/news/ozark-united-fc-names-strategic-advisor-to-support-stadium-entertainment-district-development/ |website=nwahomepage.com |access-date=May 2, 2025}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 5,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2023 | style="text-align:center;" | 2028<ref>{{cite web |author1=Ozark United FC |title= Ozark United FC launch date pushed back to 2028, co-founder says |url=https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/ozark-united-fc-launch-date-pushed-back-2028/527-3e0c7e09-b2ea-4b93-a7da-94049741a18d |website=5newsonline.com |access-date=February 24, 2026 |date=February 5, 2026}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | |- !scope="row"| [[USL Pro Iowa]]<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1205747 |title=United Soccer League Welcomes Pro Iowa to USL Championship |date=January 27, 2022 |access-date=January 27, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/business/2022/01/28/des-moines-iowa-pro-soccer-team-krause-group-lands-usl-championship-franchise-mls/9199375002/ |title=USL Championship awards long-sought pro soccer franchise to Des Moines' Krause Group |last=Jett |first=Tyler |work=Des Moines Register |date=January 27, 2022 |access-date=January 27, 2022}}</ref> | [[Des Moines, Iowa]] | Pro Iowa Stadium{{efn-lr|name=ss|[[Soccer-specific stadium]]}}<ref>{{cite web | author1=Michael Crumb |title= ‘Fun part’ begins for Pro Iowa Soccer Stadium |url= https://www.businessrecord.com/fun-part-begins-for-pro-iowa-soccer-stadium/ |website=businessrecord.com |access-date=April 30, 2026 |date=April 23, 2026}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | 6,300 | style="text-align:center;" | 2022 | style="text-align:center;" | TBD<ref>{{cite web |title= Here's what to know about Des Moines' coming pro soccer teams |url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/2025/12/09/des-moines-soccer-professional-teams/87669377007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z117030p000850c000850e006050v117030d--50--b--50--&gca-ft=47&gca-ds=sophi&gnt-djm=1 |website=desmoinesregister.com |date=9 December 2025 |quote=With the Des Moines City Council's Monday, Dec. 8, vote to grant tax increment financing for construction of a soccer stadium, the Iowa Soccer Development Foundation says it anticipates fielding its men's and women's pro soccer teams by 2028 or 2029.}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | |- !scope="row"| [[Buffalo Pro Soccer]]<ref>{{cite web |title=New group plans to bring United Soccer League team to Buffalo |url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/buffalo/sports/2024/03/28/new-group-plans-to-bring-united-soccer-league-team-to-buffalo |website=spectrumlocalnews.com |access-date=February 10, 2026}}</ref> | [[Buffalo, New York]] | TBD<ref>{{cite web |title=New sites emerge in Buffalo Pro Soccer stadium search |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/article/sites-emerge-buffalo-pro-soccer-135619151.html |website=sports.yahoo.com |access-date=February 10, 2026}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;" | TBD | style="text-align:center;" | 2024 | style="text-align:center;" | TBD | style="text-align:center;" | |- |}
Notes {{notelist-lr}}
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |+Overview of inactive USL Championship teams |- !scope="col"| Club !scope="col"| City !scope="col"| Stadium !scope="col"| Capacity !scope="col"| Joined !scope="col"| Last played !scope="col"| Notes |- !scope="row"| [[OKC Energy FC]] | [[Oklahoma City|Oklahoma City, Oklahoma]] | [[Oklahoma City Stadium]] | style="text-align:center;" | 10,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2014 | style="text-align:center;" | 2021 | style="text-align:center;" | Planned 2028 return, pending new stadium completion<ref>{{cite web |date=November 18, 2022 |title=Club Statement From Energy FC |url=https://www.energyfc.com/news_article/show/1248298 |access-date=November 18, 2022 |publisher=OKC Energy FC |archive-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601153031/https://www.energyfc.com/news_article/show/1248298 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=January 3, 2024 |title=OKC pitches higher budget, new location for new Energy FC stadium |url=https://soccerstadiumdigest.com/2024/01/okc-pitches-higher-budget-new-location-for-new-energy-fc-stadium/ |last=Reichard |first=Kevin |access-date=January 9, 2024 |publisher=Soccer Stadium Digest}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Energy FC |title=Flag marks the Spot: OKC for Soccer and city officials raise flag at future stadium site |url=https://www.energyfc.com/news_article/show/1331158 |access-date=April 28, 2025 |date=February 10, 2025}}</ref> |}
=== Former teams === {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |+Overview of former USL Championship teams |- !scope="col"| Club !scope="col"| City !scope="col"| Stadium !scope="col"| Capacity !scope="col"| Joined !scope="col"| Final season !scope="col"| MLS affiliation !scope="col"| Fate |- !scope="row"| [[Antigua Barracuda FC]] | [[St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda|St. John's]], Antigua | [[Stanford Cricket Ground]] | style="text-align:center;" | 5,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2011 | style="text-align:center;" | 2013 | style="text-align:center;" | None | style="text-align:center;" | Folded<ref name="odfcnews.com">{{cite web|title=USL Pro to see teams fold; MLS to field squads; new team partnership|url=http://odfcnews.com/2013/11/17/usl-pro-teams-fold-mls-field-squads-team-partnership/|url-status=dead|access-date=May 2, 2014|publisher=ODFC News |archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006092256/http://odfcnews.com/2013/11/17/usl-pro-teams-fold-mls-field-squads-team-partnership/}}</ref> |- !scope="row"| [[Atlanta United 2]] | [[Kennesaw, Georgia]] | [[Fifth Third Bank Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=mp|[[Multi-purpose stadium|Shared facility]]}} | style="text-align:center;" | 8,318 | style="text-align:center;" | 2018 | style="text-align:center;" | 2022 | style="text-align:center;" | [[Atlanta United FC|Atlanta United]] | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[MLS Next Pro]]<ref name="2022 & '23 MLSNP">{{cite web |title=MLS Next Pro unveils 21 clubs for inaugural season starting March 2022 |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/mls-next-pro-unveils-21-clubs-for-inaugural-season-starting-march-2022 |website=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=December 8, 2024 |date=December 6, 2021}}</ref> |- !scope="row"| [[Austin Aztex]] | [[Austin, Texas]] | [[House Park]]{{efn-lr|name=mp|[[Multi-purpose stadium|Shared facility]]}} | style="text-align:center;" | 6,500 | colspan="2"; style="text-align:center;" | 2015 | style="text-align:center;" | [[Columbus Crew|Columbus Crew SC]] | style="text-align:center;" | Folded<ref name="AA HP Flood">{{cite web|url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=210386800|title=Austin Aztex Will Not Participate in 2016 Season|publisher=United Soccer League (USL)|date=October 2, 2015|access-date=October 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004092733/http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=210386800|archive-date=October 4, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="No Return For Aztex">{{cite web|url=http://www.mystatesman.com/sports/pro-sports/usl-promoted-but-austin-pro-soccer-grounded-for-another-year/DpHzzrzGQvQ0QjYhtz0vyK/|title=USL promoted, but Austin pro soccer grounded for another year|publisher=Austin American-Statesman|date=January 7, 2017|access-date=May 27, 2017|archive-date=December 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225030230/http://www.mystatesman.com/sports/pro-sports/usl-promoted-but-austin-pro-soccer-grounded-for-another-year/DpHzzrzGQvQ0QjYhtz0vyK/|url-status=dead}}</ref> |- !scope="row"| [[Austin Bold FC]] | [[Austin, Texas]] | [[Circuit of the Americas]] | style="text-align:center;" | 5,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2017 | style="text-align:center;" | 2021 | style="text-align:center;" | None | style="text-align:center;" | Folded<ref name="ABFC Purchase">{{Cite news|url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1198224-texas-based-ownership-group-purchases-austin-bold-fc|title=Texas-Based Ownership Group Purchases Austin Bold FC|website=USLChampionship.com|access-date=December 12, 2021}}</ref> |- !scope="row"| [[Charlotte Eagles]] | [[Charlotte, North Carolina]] | [[Queens Royals|Dickson Field]]{{efn-lr|name=ss}} | style="text-align:center;" | 5,006 | style="text-align:center;" | 2011 | style="text-align:center;" | 2014 | style="text-align:center;" | None | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[USL League Two|PDL]]{{efn-lr|name=PDLPre2019|Known as USL League Two (USL2) since the [[2019 USL League Two season|2019 season]]}}<ref name="CE to CI">{{cite web|title=USL Pro Welcomes Independence|url=http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/837607.html|website=USL Pro Men's Soccer|access-date=September 18, 2014|archive-date=September 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140922061220/http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/837607.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> |- !scope="row"| [[Charlotte Independence]] | [[Charlotte, North Carolina]] | [[American Legion Memorial Stadium|Memorial Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=ss}} | style="text-align:center;" | 10,500 | style="text-align:center;" | 2014 | style="text-align:center;" | 2021 | style="text-align:center;" | None | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[USL League One]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/1196847|title=Charlotte Independence to Compete in USL League One Starting in 2022|website=USLLeagueOne.com |date=December 2, 2021|access-date=December 2, 2021}}</ref> |- !scope="row"| [[FC Cincinnati]] | [[Cincinnati|Cincinnati, Ohio]] | [[Nippert Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=mp|[[Multi-purpose stadium|Shared facility]]}} | style="text-align:center;" | 33,800 | style="text-align:center;" | 2015 | style="text-align:center;" | 2018 | style="text-align:center;" | None | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[Major League Soccer]]<ref name="FC Cincy MLS">{{cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/3512103/fc-cincinnati-to-join-mls-as-expansion-team-next-season |title=FC Cincinnati to join MLS as expansion team next season |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=May 29, 2018 |access-date=May 29, 2018}}</ref> |- !scope="row"| [[Dayton Dutch Lions]] | [[West Carrollton, Ohio]] | [[Dayton Outpatient Center Stadium|DOC Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=mp|[[Multi-purpose stadium|Shared facility]]}} | style="text-align:center;" | 3,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2011 | style="text-align:center;" | 2014 | style="text-align:center;" | {{nowrap|[[Columbus Crew|Columbus Crew SC]]}} | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[USL League Two|PDL]]{{efn-lr|name=PDLPre2019}}<ref name="DDL to PDL">{{cite web |url=http://ddlfc.com/2014/12/11/dayton-dutch-lions-fc-to-compete-in-pdl-in-2015/ |title=Dayton Dutch Lions FC To Compete in PDL in 2015 |publisher=Dayton Dutch Lions |date=December 11, 2014 |access-date=December 11, 2014}}</ref> |- !scope="row"| [[FC Montreal]] | [[Montreal, Quebec]] | [[Complexe sportif Claude-Robillard]]{{efn-lr|name=mp|[[Multi-purpose stadium|Shared facility]]}} | style="text-align:center;" | 3,500 | style="text-align:center;" | 2015 | style="text-align:center;" | 2016 | style="text-align:center;" | [[CF Montréal|Montreal Impact]] | style="text-align:center;" | Folded by [[Major League Soccer|MLS]] parent club<ref name="Mont Imp folds FC Mont">{{cite web|url=http://www.impactmontreal.com/en/post/2016/12/09/montreal-impact-associates-ottawa-fury-fc-usl|title=The Montreal Impact associates with Ottawa Fury FC in the USL|publisher=Montreal Impact|date=December 9, 2016|access-date=December 9, 2016}}</ref> |- !scope="row"| [[F.C. New York]] | [[Queens]], [[New York (state)|New York]] | [[Belson Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=ss|[[Soccer-specific stadium]]}} | style="text-align:center;" | 2,168 | colspan="2"; style="text-align:center;" | 2011 | style="text-align:center;" | None | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[National Premier Soccer League]]<ref name="2012 sched" /> |- !scope="row"| [[Fresno FC]] | [[Fresno, California]] | [[Chukchansi Park]]{{efn-lr|name=fn3|[[Baseball park]]}} | style="text-align:center;" | 12,500 | style="text-align:center;" | 2017 | style="text-align:center;" | 2019 | style="text-align:center;" | None | style="text-align:center;" | Relocated to [[Monterey County, California]], became [[Monterey Bay FC]]<ref name="NoMo Fresno">{{cite web |url=https://abc30.com/sports/fresno-fc-announces-its-done-in-fresno/5656659/ |title=Fresno FC announces it's done in Fresno, ceasing operations |last1=Hicks |first1=Stephen |last2=Oliveira |first2=Jason |publisher=[[KFSN-TV]] |location=Fresno, California |date=October 29, 2019 |access-date=November 12, 2019}}</ref> |- !scope="row"| [[LA Galaxy II]] | [[Carson, California]] | [[Dignity Health Sports Park]]{{efn-lr|name=mp|[[Multi-purpose stadium|Shared facility]]}} | style="text-align:center;" | 10,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2014 | style="text-align:center;" | 2022 | style="text-align:center;" | [[LA Galaxy]] | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[MLS Next Pro]]<ref name="2022 & '23 MLSNP"/> |- !scope="row"|[[Memphis 901 FC]] | [[Memphis, Tennessee]] | [[AutoZone Park]]{{efn-lr|name=fn3|[[Baseball park]]}} | style="text-align:center;" | 10,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2018 | style="text-align:center;" | 2024 | style="text-align:center;" | None | style="text-align:center;" | Folded; USL rights transferred to [[Santa Barbara Sky FC]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1323634 |title=United Soccer League announces transfer of Memphis 901 FC's USL Championship rights to Santa Barbara SKY FC |publisher=United Soccer League |date=November 13, 2024 |access-date=November 13, 2024}}</ref> |- !scope="row"| [[Nashville SC (2018–19)|Nashville SC]] | [[Nashville, Tennessee]] | [[First Horizon Park]]{{efn-lr|name=fn3|[[Baseball park]]}} | style="text-align:center;" | 10,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2016 | style="text-align:center;" | 2019 | style="text-align:center;" | None | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[Major League Soccer]]<ref name="Nash SC to MLS"/> |- !scope="row"| [[New York Red Bulls II]] | [[Montclair, New Jersey]] | [[MSU Soccer Park at Pittser Field|MSU Soccer Park]]{{efn-lr|name=ss|[[Soccer-specific stadium]]}} | style="text-align:center;" | 5,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2015 | style="text-align:center;" | 2022 | style="text-align:center;" | [[New York Red Bulls]] | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[MLS Next Pro]]<ref name="2022 & '23 MLSNP"/> |- !scope="row"|[[North Carolina FC]] |[[Cary, North Carolina]] |[[WakeMed Soccer Park]] | style="text-align: center;" |10,000 | style="text-align: center;" |2018 | style="text-align: center;" |2025 | style="text-align: center;" |None | style="text-align: center;" |On hiatus, with plans to return in 2028 in [[USL Premier]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-04 |title=NCFC won't play USL Championship next season |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/46846918/north-carolina-fc-leaves-usl-championship-join-usl-d1-2028 |access-date=2025-12-13 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> |- !scope="row"| [[Orlando City B]] | [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]], [[Florida]] | [[Inter&Co Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=ss|[[Soccer-specific stadium]]}} | style="text-align:center;" | 3,500 | style="text-align:center;" | 2016 | style="text-align:center;" | 2017 | style="text-align:center;" | [[Orlando City SC]] | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[USL League One]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/947228|title=Orlando City B Becomes USL Division III Founding Member|date=September 6, 2018|access-date=October 1, 2018}}</ref><ref name="OCB L1">{{cite press release |url=https://www.usld3.com/news_article/show/947228 |title=Orlando City B Becomes USL Division III Founding Member |publisher=United Soccer Leagues |date=September 6, 2018 |access-date=September 16, 2018 |archive-date=September 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906195701/https://www.usld3.com/news_article/show/947228 |url-status=dead}}</ref> & now in [[MLS Next Pro]] |- !scope="row"| [[Orlando City SC (2010–2014)|Orlando City SC]] | [[Walt Disney World Resort|Bay Lake]], [[Florida]] | [[ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex]]{{efn-lr|name=mp}} | style="text-align:center;" | 5,500 | style="text-align:center;" | 2011 | style="text-align:center;" | 2014 | style="text-align:center;" | [[Sporting Kansas City]] | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[Major League Soccer]];<ref name="orlando">{{cite news|title=Major League Soccer Awards Expansion Team to Orlando|url=https://www.orlandocitysc.com/post/2013/11/18/major-league-soccer-awards-expansion-team-orlando|publisher=Orlando City SC|date=November 18, 2013|access-date=November 19, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313012930/http://www.orlandocitysc.com/post/2013/11/18/major-league-soccer-awards-expansion-team-orlando|archive-date=March 13, 2015}}</ref><ref name="MLS Announcment">{{cite news|title=Major League Soccer names Orlando City SC as 21st franchise, set for 2015 debut|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/11/19/major-league-soccer-names-orlando-city-21st-franchise-set-2015-debut|publisher=Major League Soccer|date=November 19, 2013|access-date=November 20, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131123190557/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/11/19/major-league-soccer-names-orlando-city-21st-franchise-set-2015-debut|archive-date=November 23, 2013}}</ref> USL rights transferred to [[Louisville City FC|Louisville]] |- !scope="row"| [[Ottawa Fury FC]] | [[Ottawa]], [[Ontario]] | [[TD Place Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=mp|[[Multi-purpose stadium|Shared facility]]}} | style="text-align:center;" | 24,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2017 | style="text-align:center;" | 2019 | style="text-align:center;" | [[CF Montréal|Montreal Impact]] | style="text-align:center;" | Folded<ref name="Ottawa Fury Suspends Operations">{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/fury-suspends-operation-failed-sanctions-1.5352935|title=Fury owners blame 'politics' for decision to suspend operations|last=Major|first=Darren|date=November 8, 2019|work=CBC News|access-date=November 8, 2019}}</ref> USL rights transferred to [[Miami FC|Miami]]<ref name="MiamiTransfer">{{cite web|url=https://www.miamifc.com/news_article/show/1078822|title=The Miami FC Joins the USL Championship|website=miamifc.com|date=December 11, 2019|access-date=February 24, 2020|archive-date=February 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224221633/https://www.miamifc.com/news_article/show/1078822|url-status=dead}}</ref> |- !scope="row"| [[Penn FC]] | [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania]] | [[FNB Field]]{{efn-lr|name=fn3|[[Baseball park]]}} | style="text-align:center;" | 6,187 | style="text-align:center;" | 2011 | style="text-align:center;" | 2018 | style="text-align:center;" | None | style="text-align:center;" | Folded<ref name="Penn FC 2020 L1">{{cite press release |url=https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/956974 |title=Penn FC to Join USL League One in 2020 |publisher=United Soccer Leagues |date=October 8, 2018 |access-date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> |- !scope="row"| [[Philadelphia Union II]] | [[Chester, Pennsylvania]] | [[Subaru Park]]{{efn-lr|name=ss|[[Soccer-specific stadium]]}} | style="text-align:center;" | 18,500 | style="text-align:center;" | 2015 | style="text-align:center;" | 2020 | style="text-align:center;" | [[Philadelphia Union]] | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[MLS Next Pro]]<ref name="2022 & '23 MLSNP"/> |- !scope="row"| [[Phoenix FC]] | [[Tempe, Arizona]] | [[Sun Devil Soccer Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=mp|[[Multi-purpose stadium|Shared facility]]}} | style="text-align:center;" | 3,400 | colspan="2"; style="text-align:center;" | 2013 | style="text-align:center;" | None | style="text-align:center;" | Folded; replaced by [[Phoenix Rising FC|Arizona United SC]]{{efn-lr|name=Rising|Renamed as Phoenix Rising FC in 2016.}} |- !scope="row"| [[Portland Timbers 2]] | [[Hillsboro, Oregon]] | [[Hillsboro Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=mp|[[Multi-purpose stadium|Shared facility]]}} | style="text-align:center;" | 7,600 | style="text-align:center;" | 2015 | style="text-align:center;" | 2020 | style="text-align:center;" | [[Portland Timbers]] | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[MLS Next Pro]]<ref name="2022 & '23 MLSNP"/> |- !scope="row"| [[Puerto Rico United]]{{efn-lr|name=former|[[Puerto Rico United]], [[Club Atlético River Plate Puerto Rico|River Plate Puerto Rico]], and [[Sevilla FC Puerto Rico|Sevilla Puerto Rico]] tried to participate in the USL's first season but had financial difficulties almost immediately and the league had to cancel all games after May and make significant changes to the remaining schedule}} | [[Aguada, Puerto Rico]] | [[Aguada Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=ss}} | style="text-align:center;" | 4,000 | colspan="2"; style="text-align:center;" | 2011 | style="text-align:center;" | None | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[Liga Nacional de Fútbol de Puerto Rico|Liga Nacional (PR)]] |- !scope="row"|[[Real Monarchs]] | [[Herriman, Utah]] | [[Zions Bank Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=ss}} | style="text-align:center;" | 5,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2015 | style="text-align:center;" | 2021 | style="text-align:center;" | [[Real Salt Lake]] | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[MLS Next Pro]]<ref name="2022 & '23 MLSNP"/> |- !scope="row"| [[Reno 1868 FC]] | [[Reno, Nevada]] | [[Greater Nevada Field]]{{efn-lr|name=fn3|[[Baseball park]]}} | style="text-align:center;" | 9,013 | style="text-align:center;" | 2017 | style="text-align:center;" | 2020 | style="text-align:center;" | [[San Jose Earthquakes]] | style="text-align:center;" | Folded<ref name="Reno 1868 Cease Ops">{{Cite web|last=Bass|first=Kevin|date=November 6, 2020|title=Reno 1868 FC to Cease Operations|url=https://www.reno1868fc.com/news_article/show/1131582-reno-1868-fc-to-cease-operations|access-date=November 6, 2020|website=Reno 1868 FC|archive-date=November 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106184855/https://www.reno1868fc.com/news_article/show/1131582-reno-1868-fc-to-cease-operations|url-status=dead}}</ref> |- !scope="row"| [[Richmond Kickers]] | [[Richmond, Virginia]] | [[City Stadium (Richmond)|City Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=ss}} | style="text-align:center;" | 22,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2011 | style="text-align:center;" | 2018 | style="text-align:center;" | [[D.C. United]] | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[USL League One]]<ref name="Richmond Kickers L1">{{cite press release |url=https://www.usld3.com/news_article/show/948615 |title=Kickers Named a USL Division III Founding Member |publisher=United Soccer Leagues |date=September 11, 2018 |access-date=September 12, 2018 |archive-date=July 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730181127/https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/948615 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |- !scope="row"| [[Rio Grande Valley FC Toros|Rio Grande Valley FC]] | [[Edinburg, Texas]] | [[H-E-B Park]]{{efn-lr|name=ss}} | style="text-align:center;" | 9,400 | style="text-align:center;" | 2016 | style="text-align:center;" | 2023 | style="text-align:center;" | None | style="text-align:center;" | Folded<ref>{{cite web |title=Cease Of Operations |url=https://www.rgvfc.com/ |website=rgvfc.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Rio Grande Valley FC folds amid stadium sale reports |url=https://www.expressnews.com/sports/article/rgvfc-folds-usl-championship-18561493.php |website=[[San Antonio Express-News]] |access-date=November 26, 2024}}</ref><ref name="RGVFC Cease Ops">{{cite web |url=https://www.rgvfc.com/news/2023/12/18/official-statement-rio-grande-valley-fc-cease-operations/ |title=Official Statement: Rio Grande Valley FC Cease Operations |date=December 18, 2023 |website=www.RGVFC.com |publisher=Rio Grande Valley FC |access-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218180923/https://www.rgvfc.com/news/2023/12/18/official-statement-rio-grande-valley-fc-cease-operations/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- !scope="row"| [[Club Atlético River Plate Puerto Rico|River Plate Puerto Rico]]{{efn-lr|name=former}} | [[Fajardo, Puerto Rico]] | [[Roberto Clemente Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=mp|[[Multi-purpose stadium|Shared facility]]}} | style="text-align:center;" | 12,500 | colspan="2"; style="text-align:center;" | 2011 | style="text-align:center;" | None | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[Puerto Rico Soccer League]] |- !scope="row"| [[Rochester New York FC|Rochester Rhinos]] | [[Rochester, New York|Rochester]], [[New York (state)|New York]] | [[Rochester Community Sports Complex Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=ss}} | style="text-align:center;" | 13,768 | style="text-align:center;" | 2011 | style="text-align:center;" | 2017 | style="text-align:center;" | [[New England Revolution]] | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[MLS Next Pro]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11712/12332950/jamie-vardy-leicester-city-striker-becomes-co-owner-of-new-york-state-based-football-club-rochester-rhinos |title=Jamie Vardy: Leicester City striker becomes co-owner of American football club Rochester Rhinos |work=Sky Sports |date=June 15, 2021 |access-date=August 26, 2021}}</ref><ref name="2022 & '23 MLSNP"/> |- !scope="row"| [[Saint Louis FC]] | [[Fenton, Missouri]] | [[World Wide Technology Soccer Park|West Community Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=ss}} | style="text-align:center;" | 5,500 | style="text-align:center;" | 2014 | style="text-align:center;" | 2020 | style="text-align:center;" | None | style="text-align:center;" | Folded<ref>{{cite web |last1=Straus |first1=Brian |title=USL's Saint Louis FC to Fold With St. Louis MLS Expansion Club on the Way |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/08/25/saint-louis-fc-fold-usl-mls-expansion-st-louis-city |website=si.com |access-date=December 11, 2024 |date=August 25, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Reuter |first1=Jeff |title=Amid COVID-19 and MLS expansion, USL's Saint Louis FC faces an abrupt end |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2027453/2020/08/27/amid-covid-19-and-mls-expansion-usls-st-louis-fc-preps-for-abrupt-end/ |website=The Athletic |url-access=subscription |access-date=December 11, 2024 |date=August 27, 2020}}</ref> |- !scope="row"| [[San Diego Loyal SC]] |[[San Diego, California]] |[[Torero Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=ss}} | style="text-align:center;" | 6,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2020 | style="text-align:center;" | 2023 | style="text-align:center;" | None | style="text-align:center;" | Folded<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hernandez |first1=Cesar |title=Landon Donovan's San Diego Loyal USL team to fold after 2023 |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/38251432/landon-donovan-san-diego-loyal-usl-team-fold-2023 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=December 11, 2024 |date=August 24, 2023}}</ref> |- !scope="row"| [[Sevilla FC Puerto Rico|Sevilla Puerto Rico]]{{efn-lr|name=former}} | [[Juncos, Puerto Rico]] | Josué Elevadito González Stadium{{efn-lr|name=ss}} | style="text-align:center;" | 2,500 | colspan="2"; style="text-align:center;" | 2011 | style="text-align:center;" | None | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[Liga Nacional de Fútbol de Puerto Rico|Liga Nacional (PR)]] |- !scope="row"|[[Sporting Kansas City II]] | [[Kansas City, Kansas]] | [[Children's Mercy Park]]{{efn-lr|name=ss}} | style="text-align:center;" | 18,467 | style="text-align:center;" | 2016 | style="text-align:center;" | 2021 | style="text-align:center;" | [[Sporting Kansas City]] | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[MLS Next Pro]]<ref name="2022 & '23 MLSNP"/> |- !scope="row"|[[Tacoma Defiance]] | [[Tacoma, Washington]] | [[Cheney Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=fn3|[[Baseball park]]}} | style="text-align:center;" | 6,500 | style="text-align:center;" | 2015 | style="text-align:center;" | 2021 | style="text-align:center;"| [[Seattle Sounders FC]] | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[MLS Next Pro]]<ref name="2022 & '23 MLSNP"/> |- !scope="row"| [[Toronto FC II]] | [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]] | [[Lamport Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=mp|[[Multi-purpose stadium|Shared facility]]}} | style="text-align:center;" | 9,600 | style="text-align:center;" | 2014 | style="text-align:center;" | 2018 | style="text-align:center;" | [[Toronto FC]] | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[USL League One]] & now in [[MLS Next Pro]] |- !scope="row"| [[Whitecaps FC 2|Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2]] | [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia]] | [[Thunderbird Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=mp|[[Multi-purpose stadium|Shared facility]]}} | style="text-align:center;" | 3,500 | style="text-align:center;" | 2015 | style="text-align:center;" | 2017 | style="text-align:center;" | [[Vancouver Whitecaps FC]] | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[MLS Next Pro]]<ref name="2022 & '23 MLSNP"/> |- !scope="row"| [[VSI Tampa Bay FC]] | [[Plant City, Florida]] | [[Plant City Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=mp}} | style="text-align:center;" | 6,700 | style="text-align:center;" | 2013 | style="text-align:center;" | 2013 | style="text-align:center;" | None | style="text-align:center;" | Folded<ref name="odfcnews.com" /> |- !scope="row"| [[Wilmington Hammerheads FC]] | [[Wilmington, North Carolina]] | [[Legion Stadium (North Carolina)|Legion Stadium]]{{efn-lr|name=ss}} | style="text-align:center;" | 6,000 | style="text-align:center;" | 2011 | style="text-align:center;" | 2016 | style="text-align:center;" | [[Toronto FC]] & [[New York City FC]] | style="text-align:center;" | Moved to [[USL League Two|PDL]]{{efn-lr|name=PDLPre2019}} |} {{notelist-lr|group=former}}
=== Timeline === ==== From beginning of USL Pro to reserve team exit ==== <timeline> DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy ImageSize = width:900 height:auto barincrement:20 Period = from:01/01/2010 till:12/31/2023 TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal PlotArea = right:20 left:15 bottom:80 top:5 Colors = id:barcolor value:rgb(0.99,0.7,0.7) id:line value:black id:scale value:gray(0.5) id:bg value:white id:otherText value:gray(0.2) id:Full value:rgb(0.551,0.824,0.777) legend:Current_clubs id:Future value:rgb(0.742,0.727,0.852) legend:Future_clubs id:Former value:rgb(0.988,0.703,0.383) legend:Former_clubs id:Other value:gray(0.9) legend:Club_playing_in_different_league
ScaleMajor = gridcolor:scale unit:year increment:1 start:01/01/2010 Legend = orientation:hor position:bottom Define $other = color:Other textcolor:otherText BarData = #> 2011 <# bar:ANT text:_ bar:CHS text:_ bar:CHE text:_ bar:DDL text:_ bar:NEW text:_ bar:HCI text:_ bar:OCO text:_ bar:ORL text:_ bar:PGH text:_ bar:PR text:_ bar:RIC text:_ bar:ROC text:_ bar:WIL text:_ #> 2013 <# bar:PHX text:_ bar:TAM text:_ #> 2014 <# bar:AZU text:_ bar:LAG text:_ bar:OKC text:_ bar:SAC text:_ #> 2015 <# bar:AUS text:_ bar:CLT text:_ bar:CSS text:_ bar:MON text:_ bar:LOU text:_ bar:NYR text:_ bar:POR text:_ bar:RMO text:_ bar:STL text:_ bar:TAC text:_ bar:TOR text:_ bar:TUL text:_ bar:VAN text:_ #> 2016 <# bar:PHI text:_ bar:CIN text:_ bar:OCB text:_ bar:RGV text:_ bar:SAN text:_ bar:SPR text:_ #> 2017 <# bar:OTT text:_ bar:REN text:_ bar:TBR text:_ #> 2018 <# bar:ATL text:_ bar:MTR text:_ bar:IND text:_ bar:LVL text:_ bar:NSH text:_ bar:NCA text:_ #> 2019 <# bar:BLD text:_ bar:BHM text:_ bar:ELP text:_ bar:HAR text:_ bar:LDN text:_ bar:MEM text:_ bar:NMU text:_ #> 2020 <# bar:MIA text:_ bar:SDL text:_ #> 2021 <# bar:OAK text:_ #> 2022 <# bar:DET text:_ PlotData = width:15 textcolor:black shift:(5,-5) anchor:from fontsize:s
#> JOINED IN 2011 <#
bar:ANT color:Former from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2013 text:[[Antigua Barracuda FC]]
bar:CHS $other from:01/01/2010 till:12/31/2010 text:USL-2 bar:CHS color:Full from:01/01/2011 till:end text:[[Charleston Battery]]
bar:CHE $other from:01/01/2010 till:12/31/2010 text:USL-2 bar:CHE color:Former from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2014 text:[[Charlotte Eagles]] bar:CHE $other from:01/01/2015 till:12/31/2018 text:PDL bar:CHE $other from:01/01/2019 till:end text:USL2
bar:DDL $other from:01/01/2010 till:12/31/2010 text:PDL bar:DDL color:Former from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2014 text:[[Dayton Dutch Lions]] bar:DDL $other from:01/01/2015 till:12/31/2018 text:PDL bar:DDL $other from:01/01/2019 till:end text:USL2
bar:NEW color:Former from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2011 text:[[F.C. New York]] bar:NEW $other from:01/01/2012 till:12/31/2012 bar:NEW $other from:05/01/2012 till:12/31/2012 text:NPSL #> offset to prevent overlap with club name <#
bar:HCI $other from:01/01/2010 till:12/31/2010 text:USL-2 bar:HCI color:Former from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2017 text:[[Harrisburg City Islanders]] bar:HCI color:Former from:01/01/2018 till:12/31/2018 text:[[Penn FC]]
bar:OCO color:Full from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2013 text:[[Orange County SC|Los Angeles Blues]] bar:OCO color:Full from:01/01/2014 till:12/31/2016 text:[[Orange County SC|Orange County Blues]] bar:OCO color:Full from:01/01/2017 till:end text:[[Orange County SC]]
bar:ORL color:Former from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2014 text:[[Orlando City SC (2010–2014)|Orlando City SC]] bar:ORL $other from:01/01/2015 till:end text:MLS
bar:PGH $other from:01/01/2010 till:12/31/2010 text:USL-2 bar:PGH color:Full from:01/01/2011 till:end text:[[Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC|Pittsburgh Riverhounds]]
bar:PR $other from:01/01/2010 till:12/31/2010 text:PRSL bar:PR color:Former from:01/01/2011 till:05/11/2011 text:Puerto Rico clubs ‡
bar:RIC $other from:01/01/2010 till:12/31/2010 text:USL-2 bar:RIC color:Former from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2018 text:[[Richmond Kickers]] bar:RIC $other from:01/01/2019 till:end text:USL1
bar:ROC $other from:01/01/2010 till:12/31/2010 text:USSF D2 bar:ROC color:Former from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2017 text:[[Rochester New York FC|Rochester Rhinos]] bar:ROC $other from:01/01/2022 till:12/31/2022 text:MLS Next Pro
bar:WIL color:Former from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2016 text:[[Wilmington Hammerheads FC]] bar:WIL $other from:01/01/2016 till:12/31/2017 text:PDL
#> JOINED IN 2013 <#
bar:PHX color:Former from:01/01/2013 till:12/31/2013 text:[[Phoenix FC]]
bar:TAM color:Former from:01/01/2013 till:12/31/2013 text:[[VSI Tampa Bay FC]]
#> JOINED IN 2014 <#
bar:AZU color:Full from:01/01/2014 till:12/31/2016 text:[[Arizona United SC]] bar:AZU color:Full from:01/01/2017 till:end text:[[Phoenix Rising FC]]
bar:LAG color:Former from:01/01/2014 till:01/01/2023 text:[[LA Galaxy II]] bar:LAG $other from:01/01/2023 till:end text:MLS Next Pro
bar:OKC color:Former from:01/01/2014 till:01/01/2022 text:[[Oklahoma City Energy FC]]
bar:SAC color:Full from:01/01/2014 till:end text:[[Sacramento Republic FC]] #> JOINED IN 2015 <#
bar:AUS $other from:01/01/2012 till:12/31/2014 text:PDL bar:AUS color:Former from:01/01/2015 till:12/31/2015 text:[[Austin Aztex]]
bar:CLT color:Former from:01/01/2015 till:12/31/2021 text:[[Charlotte Independence]] bar:CLT $other from:01/01/2022 till:end text:USL1
bar:CSS color:Full from:01/01/2015 till:end text:[[Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC]]
bar:MON color:Former from:01/01/2015 till:12/31/2016 text:[[FC Montreal]]
bar:LOU color:Full from:01/01/2015 till:end text:[[Louisville City FC]]
bar:NYR color:Former from:01/01/2015 till:01/01/2023 text:[[New York Red Bulls II]] bar:NYR $other from:01/01/2023 till:end text:MLS Next Pro
bar:POR color:Former from:01/01/2015 till:12/31/2020 text:[[Portland Timbers 2]] bar:POR $other from:01/01/2022 till:end text:MLS Next Pro
bar:RMO color:Former from:01/01/2015 till:01/01/2022 text:[[Real Monarchs]] bar:RMO $other from:01/01/2022 till:end text:MLS Next Pro
bar:STL color:Former from:01/01/2015 till:12/31/2020 text:[[Saint Louis FC]]
bar:TAC color:Former from:01/01/2015 till:12/31/2018 text:[[Seattle Sounders FC 2]] bar:TAC color:Former from:01/01/2019 till:01/01/2022 text:[[Tacoma Defiance]] bar:TAC $other from:01/01/2022 till:end text:MLS Next Pro
bar:TOR color:Former from:01/01/2015 till:12/31/2018 text:[[Toronto FC II]] bar:TOR $other from:01/01/2019 till:12/31/2019 text:USL1 bar:TOR $other from:01/01/2021 till:01/01/2022 text:USL1 bar:TOR $other from:01/01/2022 till:end text:MLS Next Pro
bar:TUL color:Full from:01/01/2015 till:end text:[[Tulsa Roughnecks FC]] bar:TUL color:Full from:01/01/2020 till:end text:[[FC Tulsa]]
bar:VAN color:Former from:01/01/2015 till:12/31/2017 text:[[Whitecaps FC 2]] bar:VAN $other from:01/01/2022 till:end text:MLS Next Pro
#> JOINED IN 2016 <#
bar:PHI color:Former from:01/01/2016 till:12/31/2019 text:[[Bethlehem Steel FC]] bar:PHI color:Former from:01/01/2020 till:12/31/2020 text:[[Philadelphia Union II]] bar:PHI $other from:01/01/2022 till:end text:MLS Next Pro
bar:CIN color:Former from:01/01/2016 till:12/31/2018 text:[[FC Cincinnati (2016–18)|FC Cincinnati]] bar:CIN $other from:01/01/2019 till:end text:MLS
bar:OCB color:Former from:01/01/2016 till:12/31/2017 text:[[Orlando City B]] bar:OCB $other from:01/01/2019 till:12/31/2020 text:USL1 bar:OCB $other from:01/01/2022 till:end text:MLS Next Pro
bar:RGV color:Former from:01/01/2016 till:12/31/2023 text:[[Rio Grande Valley FC]]
bar:SAN color:Full from:01/01/2016 till:end text:[[San Antonio FC]]
bar:SPR color:Former from:01/01/2016 till:end text:[[Swope Park Rangers]] bar:SPR color:Former from:01/01/2020 till:01/01/2022 text:[[Sporting Kansas City II]] bar:SPR $other from:01/01/2022 till:end text:MLS Next Pro
#> JOINED IN 2017 <#
bar:OTT $other from:01/01/2014 till:12/31/2016 text:NASL bar:OTT color:Former from:01/01/2017 till:12/31/2019 text:[[Ottawa Fury FC]]
bar:REN color:Former from:01/01/2017 till:12/31/2020 text:[[Reno 1868 FC]]
bar:TBR $other from:01/01/2010 till:12/31/2010 text:USSF D2 bar:TBR $other from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2016 text:NASL bar:TBR color:Full from:01/01/2017 till:end text:[[Tampa Bay Rowdies]]
#> JOINED IN 2018 <#
bar:ATL color:Former from:01/01/2018 till:01/01/2023 text:[[Atlanta United 2]] bar:ATL $other from:01/01/2023 till:end text:MLS Next Pro
bar:MTR color:Former from:01/01/2018 till:12/31/2019 text:[[Fresno FC]] bar:MTR color:Full from:01/01/2022 till:end text:[[Monterey Bay FC|Monterey Bay]]
bar:IND $other from:01/01/2014 till:12/31/2017 text:NASL bar:IND color:Full from:01/01/2018 till:end text:[[Indy Eleven]]
bar:LVL color:Full from:01/01/2018 till:end text:[[Las Vegas Lights FC]]
bar:NSH color:Former from:01/01/2018 till:12/31/2019 text:[[Nashville SC (2018–19)|Nashville SC]] bar:NSH $other from:01/01/2020 till:end text:MLS
bar:NCA $other from:01/01/2010 till:12/31/2010 text:USSF D2 bar:NCA $other from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2017 text:NASL bar:NCA color:Full from:01/01/2018 till:12/31/2020 text:[[North Carolina FC]] bar:NCA $other from:01/01/2021 till:12/31/2023 text:USL1
#> JOINED IN 2019 <#
bar:BLD color:Former from:01/01/2019 till:12/31/2021 text:[[Austin Bold FC]]
bar:BHM color:Full from:01/01/2019 till:end text:[[Birmingham Legion FC]]
bar:ELP color:Full from:01/01/2019 till:end text:[[El Paso Locomotive FC]]
bar:HAR color:Full from:01/01/2019 till:end text:[[Hartford Athletic]]
bar:LDN color:Full from:01/01/2019 till:end text:[[Loudoun United FC]]
bar:MEM color:Former from:01/01/2019 till:12/31/2023 text:[[Memphis 901 FC]]
bar:NMU color:Full from:01/01/2019 till:end text:[[New Mexico United]]
#> JOINED IN 2020 <#
bar:MIA $other from:01/01/2016 till:12/31/2017 text:NASL bar:MIA $other from:01/01/2018 till:06/30/2019 text:NPSL bar:MIA $other from:07/01/2019 till:12/31/2019 text:NISA bar:MIA color:Full from:01/01/2020 till:end text:[[Miami FC]] bar:SDL color:Former from:01/01/2020 till:12/31/2023 text:[[San Diego Loyal SC]]
#> JOINED IN 2021 <#
bar:OAK $other from:07/01/2019 till:12/31/2020 text:NISA bar:OAK color:Full from:01/01/2021 till:end text:[[Oakland Roots SC]] #> JOINED IN 2022 <#
bar:DET $other from:01/01/2012 till:12/31/2019 text:NPSL bar:DET $other from:01/01/2020 till:12/31/2021 text:NISA bar:DET color:Full from:01/01/2022 till:end text:[[Detroit City FC]]
</timeline>
‡ Puerto Rico clubs [[Puerto Rico United]], [[Club Atlético River Plate Puerto Rico|River Plate Puerto Rico]], and [[Sevilla FC Puerto Rico|Sevilla Puerto Rico]] began play in the league, but in May 2011 United Soccer Leagues announced that the teams would not finish the season due to financial difficulties.<ref>{{cite web|title=USL reforms Agreement with PRSL|url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/524777.html|publisher=United Soccer Leagues|access-date=May 10, 2011|date=May 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514205255/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/524777.html|archive-date=May 14, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==== After reserve team exit ==== <timeline> DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy ImageSize = width:900 height:auto barincrement:20 Period = from:01/01/2023 till:12/31/2028 TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal PlotArea = right:20 left:15 bottom:80 top:5 Colors = id:barcolor value:rgb(0.99,0.7,0.7) id:line value:black id:scale value:gray(0.5) id:bg value:white id:otherText value:gray(0.2) id:Full value:rgb(0.551,0.824,0.777) legend:Current_clubs id:Future value:rgb(0.742,0.727,0.852) legend:Future_clubs id:Former value:rgb(0.988,0.703,0.383) legend:Former_clubs id:Other value:gray(0.9) legend:Club_playing_in_different_league
ScaleMajor = gridcolor:scale unit:year increment:1 start:01/01/2023 Legend = orientation:hor position:bottom Define $other = color:Other textcolor:otherText BarData = #> 2011 <# bar:CHS text:_ bar:OCO text:_ bar:PGH text:_ #> 2014 <# bar:AZU text:_ bar:OKC text:_ bar:SAC text:_ #> 2015 <# bar:CSS text:_ bar:LOU text:_ bar:TUL text:_ #> 2016 <# bar:RGV text:_ bar:SAN text:_ #> 2017 <# bar:TBR text:_ #> 2018 <# bar:MTR text:_ bar:IND text:_ bar:LVL text:_ bar:NCA text:_ #> 2019 <# bar:BHM text:_ bar:ELP text:_ bar:HAR text:_ bar:LDN text:_ bar:MEM text:_ bar:NMU text:_ #> 2020 <# bar:MIA text:_ bar:SDL text:_ #> 2021 <# bar:OAK text:_ #> 2022 <# bar:DET text:_ #> 2024 <# bar:RHD text:_ #> 2025 <# bar:LEX text:_ #> 2026 <# bar:BKN text:_ bar:JAX text:_ #> Future <# bar:DAL text:_ bar:OZK text:_ bar:REN text:_ bar:SB text:_ bar:NCA text:_ PlotData = width:15 textcolor:black shift:(5,-5) anchor:from fontsize:s
#> JOINED IN 2011 <#
bar:CHS color:Full from:01/01/2023 till:end text:[[Charleston Battery]]
bar:OCO color:Full from:01/01/2023 till:end text:[[Orange County SC]]
bar:PGH color:Full from:01/01/2023 till:end text:[[Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC|Pittsburgh Riverhounds]]
#> JOINED IN 2014 <#
bar:AZU color:Full from:01/01/2023 till:end text:[[Phoenix Rising FC]]
bar:OKC color:Future from:01/01/2028 till:end text:[[Oklahoma City Energy FC]]
bar:SAC color:Full from:01/01/2023 till:end text:[[Sacramento Republic FC]] #> JOINED IN 2015 <#
bar:CSS color:Full from:01/01/2023 till:end text:[[Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC]]
bar:LOU color:Full from:01/01/2023 till:end text:[[Louisville City FC]]
bar:TUL color:Full from:01/01/2023 till:end text:[[FC Tulsa]]
#> JOINED IN 2016 <#
bar:RGV color:Former from:01/01/2023 till:12/31/2023 text:[[Rio Grande Valley FC]]
bar:SAN color:Full from:01/01/2023 till:end text:[[San Antonio FC]]
#> JOINED IN 2017 <#
bar:TBR color:Full from:01/01/2023 till:end text:[[Tampa Bay Rowdies]]
#> JOINED IN 2018 <#
bar:MTR color:Full from:01/01/2023 till:end text:[[Monterey Bay FC|Monterey Bay]]
bar:IND color:Full from:01/01/2023 till:end text:[[Indy Eleven]]
bar:LVL color:Full from:01/01/2023 till:end text:[[Las Vegas Lights FC]]
bar:NCA $other from:01/01/2023 till:12/31/2023 text:USL1 bar:NCA color:Former from:01/01/2024 till:12/31/2025 text:[[North Carolina FC]] bar:NCA color:Future from:01/01/2028 till:end text:[[North Carolina FC]]
#> JOINED IN 2019 <#
bar:BHM color:Full from:01/01/2023 till:end text:[[Birmingham Legion FC]]
bar:ELP color:Full from:01/01/2023 till:end text:[[El Paso Locomotive FC]]
bar:HAR color:Full from:01/01/2023 till:end text:[[Hartford Athletic]]
bar:LDN color:Full from:01/01/2023 till:end text:[[Loudoun United FC]]
bar:MEM color:Former from:01/01/2023 till:12/31/2024 text:[[Memphis 901 FC]]
bar:NMU color:Full from:01/01/2023 till:end text:[[New Mexico United]]
#> JOINED IN 2020 <#
bar:MIA color:Full from:01/01/2023 till:end text:[[Miami FC]] bar:SDL color:Former from:01/01/2023 till:12/31/2023 text:[[San Diego Loyal SC]]
#> JOINED IN 2021 <#
bar:OAK color:Full from:01/01/2023 till:end text:[[Oakland Roots SC]] #> JOINED IN 2022 <#
bar:DET color:Full from:01/01/2023 till:end text:[[Detroit City FC]] #> JOINED IN 2024 <#
bar:RHD color:Full from:01/01/2024 till:end text:[[Rhode Island FC]]
#> JOINED IN 2025 <#
bar:LEX $other from:01/01/2023 till:12/31/2024 text:USL1 bar:LEX color:Full from:01/01/2025 till:end text:[[Lexington SC]]
#> JOINED IN 2026 <# bar:BKN color:Full from:01/01/2026 till:end text:[[Brooklyn FC (USL)|Brooklyn FC]] bar:JAX color:Full from:01/01/2026 till:end text:[[Sporting Club Jacksonville]] #> FUTURE <#
bar:DAL color:Future from:01/01/2027 till:end text:[[Atlético Dallas]]
bar:OZK color:Future from:01/01/2027 till:end text:[[Ozark United FC]]
bar:REN color:Future from:01/01/2027 till:end text:[[Reno Pro Soccer]]
bar:SB color:Future from:01/01/2027 till:end text:[[Santa Barbara Sky FC]]
</timeline>
==Competition format== For the 2026 season, teams played an uneven schedule, playing home-and-away within their conference and an additional five or six games against teams in the opposing conference for an unbalanced 30-game schedule. At the conclusion of the regular season, the top eight teams in each conference will qualify for the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Qooligan |first=The |date=2025-12-10 |title=USL Championship 2026 Season Revealed |url=https://hooligan-soccer.com/usl-championship-2026-season-revealed/ |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=HOOLIGAN SOCCER |language=en-US}}</ref> The USL Championship playoffs are a single-elimination tournament with a fixed bracket format, culminating in the [[USL Championship Final]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=USLChampionship Staff |first= |date=2025-10-26 |title=Field for 2025 USL Championship Playoffs presented by Terminix Set |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1348699-field-for-2025-usl-championship-playoffs-presented-by-terminix-set |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=USL Championship |language=en-us}}</ref>
==Media coverage==
[[Fox Sports (United States)|Fox Sports]] purchased the league's [[broadcasting rights]] for the [[2011 USL Pro season|2011]] and [[2012 USL Pro season|2012 season]]s, and aired matches on its [[Fox Soccer]] channel, while the league [[live streaming|livestreamed]] matches on its USL Live website.<ref name="2012 sched">{{cite news |url=http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/589973.html |title=USL Pro 2012 Schedule Released |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=January 11, 2012 |access-date=January 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115214800/http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/589973.html |archive-date=January 15, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The USL has been partnered with [[ESPN]] since the 2016 season. The first iteration of the deal brought 20 matches to [[ESPN3]] and the championship match to one of its linear networks, while all remaining matches were broadcast directly by the league on its [[YouTube]] channel.<ref name="USL Announces Partnership with ESPN">{{cite web |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/640008?referrer_id=2333971 |title=USL Announces Partnership with ESPN |publisher=USL |date=April 22, 2016 |access-date=April 24, 2016}}</ref>
Beginning with the launch of [[ESPN+]] on April 12, 2018, all USL matches moved to the [[Over-the-top media services|over-the-top]] service, with 18 games of the week and the championship continuing to air on one of ESPN's linear channels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/904986|title=USL, ESPN Expand Broadcast Agreement Through 2019|date=April 6, 2018|access-date=April 17, 2018}}</ref> The 2019 final will also air on [[ESPN Deportes]]. The deal with ESPN expired after the 2019 season, but was subsequently renewed for three additional seasons. Although the ESPN+ match streams are not [[Blackout (broadcasting)|blacked out]] in-market, individual clubs are also allowed to [[Broadcast syndication|syndicate]] the USL-produced broadcast to local television stations.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rimpson |first1=Robert |title=USL announces a new broadcast deal with ESPN |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/2019/08/27/united-soccer-league-announce-new-broadcast-deal-with-espn/2128952001/ |work=The Courier-Journal |language=en}}</ref>
The English-language commentary team for the [[Soccer on ESPN/ABC|USL Championship on ESPN]] has included [[Mike Watts (sportscaster)|Mike Watts]] and Devon Kerr since 2018. Watts and Kerr also host a weekly program, ''USL All-Access'', on [[Sirius XM]] FC. Broadcasts on ESPN Deportes have been led by Jesús Eduardo Acosta and José Armando Rodriguez.<ref>{{cite web |title=USL Announces Broadcast Teams for USL Championship Final on ESPN |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1194947 |website=USL Championship |date=November 19, 2021 |publisher=USLChampionship.com |access-date=February 10, 2022}}</ref>
In August 2020, the USL announced their first international broadcast partner with [[Caribbean]] broadcaster Flow Sports.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1118242-united-soccer-league-nets-agreement-with-first-international-based-broadcast-partner-flow-sports-secured-by-sportfive|title=United Soccer League Nets Agreement with First International-Based Broadcast Partner Flow Sports Secured by Sportfive|date=August 18, 2020|website=USL Championship}}</ref>
In August 2021, the USL announced a new broadcast agreement with [[OneFootball]] in Italy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/1176960|title=USL Announces New Broadcast Agreement with OneFootball|date=August 7, 2021|website=USL Championship}}</ref>
The USL announced that four-year media deal with [[CBS Sports]] beginning with the 2024 season through 2027.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vertelney |first1=Seth |title=USL and CBS Sports sign four-year media rights agreement |url=https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/2023/11/07/usl-and-cbs-sports-media-rights-agreement/ |work=Pro Soccer Wire |publisher=[[USA Today]] |date=November 7, 2023}}</ref> On February 27, 2024, the USL also announced multi-year deal with [[ESPN]] as a second broadcast partner through 2026.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lucia |first=Joe |date=February 27, 2024 |title=USL strikes media rights deal with ESPN |url=https://awfulannouncing.com/soccer/usl-espn-cbs-media-rights-2024.html |access-date=November 10, 2023 |website=Awful Announcing |language=en-US}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" ! Region ! Broadcaster |- | rowspan="2" | United States | [[CBS Sports]]:<br />([[CBS]], [[Paramount+]], [[CBS Sports Network]] and [[CBS Sports Golazo Network]]) |- | [[ESPN]], [[ESPN2]] and [[ESPN+]] |- | Caribbean | Flow Sports |- | Italy |[[OneFootball]] |}
==Champions== Teams that no longer participate in the USL Championship are in ''italics''. {| class="wikitable" !Season !Playoff champions !Players' Shield{{efn|Known as the "Commissioners Cup" from 2011 to 2014 and the "regular season champions" from 2015 to 2022.}} |- !colspan=4 style="text-align:center;"|USL Professional Division (USL Pro) |- |[[2011 USL Pro season|2011]] |''[[Orlando City SC (2010–2014)|Orlando City SC]]'' |''[[Orlando City SC (2010–2014)|Orlando City SC]]'' |- |[[2012 USL Pro season|2012]] |[[Charleston Battery]] |''[[Orlando City SC (2010–2014)|Orlando City SC]]'' |- |[[2013 USL Pro season|2013]] |''[[Orlando City SC (2010–2014)|Orlando City SC]]'' |''[[Richmond Kickers]]'' |- |[[2014 USL Pro season|2014]] |[[Sacramento Republic FC]] |''[[Orlando City SC (2010–2014)|Orlando City SC]]'' |- !colspan=4 style="text-align:center;"|United Soccer League |- |[[2015 USL season|2015]] |''[[Rochester Rhinos]]'' |''[[Rochester Rhinos]]'' |- |[[2016 USL season|2016]] |''[[New York Red Bulls II]]'' |''[[New York Red Bulls II]]'' |- |[[2017 USL season|2017]] |[[Louisville City FC]] |''[[Real Monarchs|Real Monarchs SLC]]'' |- |[[2018 USL season|2018]] |[[Louisville City FC]] |''[[FC Cincinnati]]'' |- !colspan=4 style="text-align:center;"|USL Championship |- |[[2019 USL Championship season|2019]] |''[[Real Monarchs|Real Monarchs SLC]]'' |[[Phoenix Rising FC]] |- |[[2020 USL Championship season|2020]] |Cancelled due to [[COVID-19 pandemic]] |''[[Reno 1868 FC]]'' |- |[[2021 USL Championship season|2021]] |[[Orange County SC]] |[[Tampa Bay Rowdies]] |- |[[2022 USL Championship season|2022]] |[[San Antonio FC]] |[[San Antonio FC]] |- |[[2023 USL Championship season|2023]] |[[Phoenix Rising FC]] |[[Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC]] |- |[[2024 USL Championship season|2024]] |[[Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC]] |[[Louisville City FC]] |- |[[2025 USL Championship season|2025]] |[[Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC]] |[[Louisville City FC]] |}
=== USL Championship Final results === {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- !Season !Champions !Score !Runners–up !Venue !Attendance !MVP |- |[[2011 USL Pro season|2011]] |'''[[Orlando City SC (2010–2014)|Orlando City SC]]''' |2–2 {{aet}}<br>{{pso|3–2}} |[[Penn FC|Harrisburg City Islanders]] |[[Camping World Stadium|Citrus Bowl]] |11,220 |[[Sean Kelley]] ([[Orlando City SC (2010–2014)|ORL]]) |- |[[2012 USL Pro season|2012]] |'''[[Charleston Battery]]''' |1–0 |[[Wilmington Hammerheads FC|Wilmington Hammerheads]] |[[MUSC Health Stadium|Blackbaud Stadium]] |4,963 |[[Jose Cuevas (soccer)|Jose Cuevas]] ([[Charleston Battery|CHS]]) |- |[[2013 USL Pro season|2013]] |'''[[Orlando City SC (2010–2014)|Orlando City SC]]''' |7–4 |[[Charlotte Eagles]] |[[Camping World Stadium|Citrus Bowl]] |'''20,886''' |[[Dom Dwyer]] ([[Orlando City SC (2010–2014)|ORL]]) |- |[[2014 USL Pro season|2014]] |'''[[Sacramento Republic FC|Sacramento Republic]]''' |2–0 |[[Harrisburg City Islanders]] |[[Heart Health Park|Bonney Field]] |8,000 |[[Rodrigo López (soccer, born 1987)|Rodrigo López]] ([[Sacramento Republic FC|SAC]]) |- |[[2015 USL season|2015]] |'''[[Rochester Rhinos]]''' |2–1 {{aet}} |[[LA Galaxy II]] |[[Rochester Community Sports Complex Stadium|Sahlen's Stadium]] |5,247 |[[Asani Samuels]] ([[Rochester Rhinos|ROC]]) |- |[[2016 USL season|2016]] |'''[[New York Red Bulls II]]''' |5–1 |[[Sporting Kansas City II|Swope Park Rangers]] |[[Red Bull Arena (New Jersey)|Red Bull Arena]] |5,547 |[[Brandon Allen (soccer)|Brandon Allen]] ([[New York Red Bulls II|NYRB]]) |- |[[2017 USL season|2017]] |'''[[Louisville City FC]]''' |1–0 |[[Sporting Kansas City II|Swope Park Rangers]] |[[Louisville Slugger Field]] |14,456 |[[Paolo DelPiccolo]] ([[Louisville City FC|LOU]]) |- | [[2018 USL season|2018]] | '''[[Louisville City FC]]''' |1–0 | [[Phoenix Rising FC]] | [[Dr. Mark & Cindy Lynn Stadium|Lynn Stadium]] | 7,025 | [[Luke Spencer (soccer)|Luke Spencer]] ([[Louisville City FC|LOU]]) |- | [[2019 USL Championship season|2019]] | '''[[Real Monarchs]]''' |3–1 | [[Louisville City FC]] | [[Dr. Mark & Cindy Lynn Stadium|Lynn Stadium]] | 7,025 | [[Konrad Plewa]] ([[Real Monarchs|SLC]]) |- | [[2020 USL Championship season|2020]] | colspan="6" rowspan="1" style="text-align:center;" | '''''Final cancelled due to [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|COVID-19 pandemic]]'''''{{efn|The 2020 final was scheduled to be played at [[Al Lang Stadium]] between [[Tampa Bay Rowdies]] and [[Phoenix Rising FC]].}} |- | [[2021 USL Championship playoffs|2021]] || '''[[Orange County SC]]''' || 3–1 || [[Tampa Bay Rowdies]] || [[Al Lang Stadium]] || 7,521 || [[Ronaldo Damus]] ([[Orange County SC|OCO]]) |- | [[2022 USL Championship playoffs|2022]] || '''[[San Antonio FC]]''' || 3–1 || [[Louisville City FC]] || [[Toyota Field]] || 8,534 || [[Santiago Patiño]] ([[San Antonio FC|SAN]]) |- | [[2023 USL Championship playoffs|2023]] || '''[[Phoenix Rising FC]]''' || 1–1 {{aet}}<br>{{pso|3–2}} || [[Charleston Battery]] || [[Patriots Point Soccer Complex]] || 5,094 || [[Rocco Ríos Novo]] ([[Phoenix Rising FC|PHX]]) |- | [[2024 USL Championship playoffs|2024]] || '''[[Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC]]''' || 3–0 || [[Rhode Island FC]] || [[Weidner Field]] || 8,023 || [[Juan Tejada]] ([[Colorado Springs Switchbacks|COS]]) |- |[[2025 USL Championship playoffs|2025]] |'''[[Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC]]''' |0–0 {{aet}}<br>{{pso|5–3}} |[[FC Tulsa]] |[[Oneok Field]] |9,507 |[[Eric Dick]] ([[Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC|PGH]]) |} {{notelist}}
==USL club honors== Updated to the end of the 2025 USL playoffs; sorted by major honors (championships).
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" |- ! rowspan="2" style="width: 170px;"|Team ! rowspan="2" style="width: 50px;"|Seasons ! colspan="2" |[[USL Championship Final|USL playoffs]] ! colspan="2" |USL regular season ! rowspan="2" style="width: 60px;"|Total honors ! rowspan="2" |Major trophies /<br />championships |- ! style="width: 75px;"|Winner ! style="width: 75px;"|Runner-up ! style="width: 75px;"|Winner ! style="width: 75px;"|Runner-up |- |''[[Orlando City SC (2010–2014)|Orlando City SC]]'' || 4 || 2 || — || 3 || 1 || 6 || 5 |- |[[Louisville City FC]] || 11 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 4 || 10 || 4 |- |''[[New York Red Bulls II]]'' || 8 || 1 || — || 1 || — || 2 || 2 |- |[[Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC]] || 15 || 1 || — || 1 || — || 2 || 2 |- |[[Phoenix Rising FC]] || 12 || 1 || 2{{efn|name=RU|Includes the canceled [[2020 USL Championship Playoffs|2020 finals]].}} || 1 || — || 4 || 2 |- |''[[Rochester New York FC|Rochester Rhinos]]'' || 7 || 1 || — || 1 || 1 || 3 || 2 |- |''[[Real Monarchs]]'' || 7 || 1 || — || 1 || — || 2 || 2 |- |[[San Antonio FC]] || 10 || 1 || — || 1 || — || 2 || 2 |- |[[Charleston Battery]] || 15 || 1 || 1 || — || 1 || 3 || 1 |- |{{nowrap|[[Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC]]}} || 11 || 1 || — || — || — || 1 || 1 |- |''[[FC Cincinnati (2016–18)|FC Cincinnati]]'' || 3 || — || — || 1 || — || 1 || 1 |- |[[Orange County SC]] || 15 || 1 || — || — || — || 1 || 1 |- |''[[Reno 1868 FC]]'' || 4 || — || — || 1 || — || 1 || 1 |- |''[[Richmond Kickers]]'' || 8 || — || — || 1 || — || 1 || 1 |- |[[Sacramento Republic FC|Sacramento Republic]] || 12 || 1 || — || — || 1 || 2 || 1 |- |[[Tampa Bay Rowdies]] || 9 || — || 2{{efn|name=RU}} || 1 || — || 3 || 1 |- |''[[Harrisburg City Islanders]]'' || 8 || — || 2 || — || — || 2 || 0 |- |''[[Sporting Kansas City II]]'' || 6 || — || 2 || — || — || 2 || 0 |- |''[[Wilmington Hammerheads FC|Wilmington Hammerheads]]'' || 6 || — || 1 || — || 1 || 2 || 0 |- |''[[Charlotte Eagles]]'' || 4 || — || 1 || — || — || 1 || 0 |- |[[FC Tulsa]] || 11 || — || 1 || — || — || 1 || 0 |- |''[[LA Galaxy II]]'' || 8 || — || 1 || — || — || 1 || 0 |- |[[Rhode Island FC]] || 2 || — || 1 || — || — || 1 || 0 |} {{notelist}}
===Player records=== {{updated|January 27, 2024|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/records |title=Record Book |website=uslchampionship.com |access-date=July 23, 2021}}</ref>}} {{Col-begin}}{{Col-break}} {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+Most USL goals !Rank!!Player!!Goals |- | 1 | {{flagicon|JAM}} [[Dane Kelly]] | 104 |- | 2 | {{flagicon|JAM}} [[Neco Brett]] | 86 |- | 3 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Corey Hertzog]] | 73 |- | 4 | {{flagicon|COL}} [[Jorge Herrera (footballer)|Jorge Herrera]] | 72 |- | 5 |{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Cameron Lancaster]] | 71 |- | 6 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Chandler Hoffman]] | 66 |- | 7 | {{flagicon|GUI}} [[Hadji Barry]] | 63 |- | 8 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Kyle Greig]] | 61 |- | 9 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Cameron Iwasa]] | 59 |- | 10 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[George Davis IV]] | rowspan=2|57 |- | 10 | {{flagicon|JAM}} [[Junior Flemmings]] |} {{Col-break}} {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+Most USL appearances !Rank!!Player!!Apps |- | 1 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[George Davis IV]] | 242 |- | 2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Taylor Mueller]] | 241 |- | 2 | {{flagicon|COL}} [[Jorge Herrera (footballer)|Jorge Herrera]] | 231 |- | 4 | {{flagicon|JAM}} [[Dane Kelly]] | 228 |- | 5 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Josh Suggs]] | 223 |- | 6 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Kyle Greig]] | 222 |- | 7 | {{flagicon|JAM}} [[Neco Brett]] | 203 |- | 8 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Luke Vercollone]] | 200 |- | 9 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Christian Duke]] | 199 |- | 10 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Kadeem Dacres]] | 197 |} {{Col-break}} {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+Most USL assists !Rank!!Player!!Asts |- | 1 | {{flagicon|JAM}} [[Kenardo Forbes]] | 45 |- | 2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Danny Barrera]] | 44 |- | 3 | {{flagicon|GHA}} [[Solomon Asante]] | 41 |- | 4 | {{flagicon|CUB}} [[Maikel Chang]] | 38 |- | 5 | {{flagicon|COL}} [[Jorge Herrera (footballer)|Jorge Herrera]] | 35 |- | rowspan=2|6 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Antoine Hoppenot]] | 33 |- | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Rodrigo López (soccer, born 1987)|Rodrigo Lopez]] | 33 |- | rowspan=2| 7 | {{flagicon|HAI}} [[Christiano François]] | 32 |- | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Brian Ownby]] | 32 |- | 8 | {{flagicon|URU}} [[Enzo Martínez (footballer, born 1990)|Enzo Martinez]] | 30 |} {{Col-end}} {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+Most USL clean sheets !Rank!!Player!!CS |- | 1 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Evan Newton]] | 57 |- | 2 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Brandon Miller (soccer)|Brandon Miller]] | 43 |- | 3 | {{flagicon|CUB}} [[Odisnel Cooper]] | 40 |- | rowspan=2|4 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Matt Pickens]] | 37 |- | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Tomas Gomez (soccer)|Tomas Gomez]] | 37 |- | 5 | {{flagicon|Puerto Rico}} [[Cody Laurendi]] | 36 |- | 6 | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Carl Woszczynski]] | 34 |- | 7 | {{flagicon|GRE}} '''[[Alexandros Tabakis|Alex Tambakis]]''' | 33 |- | rowspan=2|8 | {{flagicon|MEX}} [[Miguel Gallardo (footballer)|Miguel Gallardo]] | 32 |- | {{flagicon|USA}} [[Andrew Dykstra]] | 32 |}
==Attendance== [[FC Cincinnati (2016–18)|FC Cincinnati]] played before a record crowd of 20,497 at [[Nippert Stadium]] on April 16, 2016, in a rivalry match against neighboring [[Louisville City FC]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wcpo.com/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati-crowd-sets-league-attendance-record|title=FC Cincinnati crowd sets league attendance record|last=Leggate |first=James |publisher=WCPO |access-date=April 17, 2016|date=April 17, 2016}}</ref> This broke the USL Pro's previous record for attendance at a regular-season match of 20,231 set by [[Sacramento Republic FC|Sacramento Republic]] in its home debut on April 26, 2014, at [[Charles C. Hughes Stadium|Hughes Stadium]].<ref name="sacbee.com">[http://www.sacbee.com/2014/04/26/6357273/republic-fc-loses-home-opener.html "Republic FC loses home opener before sellout crowd at Hughes Stadium"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427210131/http://www.sacbee.com/2014/04/26/6357273/republic-fc-loses-home-opener.html |date=April 27, 2014}}, Sacramento Bee, April 27, 2014.</ref> Cincinnati broke the record again on May 14, 2016, with a new all-time high of 23,375.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2016/05/14/mclaughlins-goal-gives-fc-cincy-1-0-lead-half/84382158|title=Another record crowd turns out to watch FC Cincy win|last=Brennan|first=Patrick|website=Cincinnati.com|access-date=May 14, 2016}}</ref> Cincinnati broke the single game attendance record again on October 2, 2016, in their first ever playoff match against the Charleston Battery, losing 2–1 in the quarterfinals of the 2016 USL playoffs. The attendance of 30,187 also set the USL playoff record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fccincinnati.com/news_article/show/704514|title=Post-Season Ends in Loss To Battery, FCC Sets USL Playoff Record|last=Kimura|first=Fumi|date=October 2, 2016|access-date=October 7, 2016|archive-date=August 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806062133/http://www.fccincinnati.com/news_article/show/704514|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Cincinnati broke the regular season record again on August 5, 2017, at Nippert Stadium, drawing 25,308 against [[Orlando City B]]. They broke their own record again about six weeks later drawing 30,417 to a 4–2 win over the New York Red Bulls II.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fccincinnati.com/news_article/show/834326?referrer_id=2584136|title=FCC Tames Red Bulls II|date=September 16, 2017|access-date=May 27, 2018|archive-date=May 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528133648/https://www.fccincinnati.com/news_article/show/834326?referrer_id=2584136|url-status=dead}}</ref> Cincinnati broke the record once more in their final home regular season game as a USL team on September 29, 2018, drawing 31,478 versus [[Indy Eleven]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/954409|title=Gameday Report: September 29, Week 29|first=Nicholas|last=Murray|date=September 29, 2018|access-date=October 1, 2018}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" |- ! scope=col| Season ! scope=col| Teams ! scope=col| League total ! scope=col| League avg. ! scope=col| Playoff total ! scope=col| Playoff avg. ! scope=col| Combined total ! scope=col| Combined Average ! scope=col| Highest teams ! scope=col| Lowest teams ! scope=col| Ref |- | [[2011 USL Pro season|2011]] || 12 || style="background:#ffb6b6;" |'''322,597 '''|| style="background:#ffb6b6;" |'''2,274''' || '''38,886'''|| '''5,555''' || style="background:#ffb6b6;" |'''361,483'''|| style="background:#ffb6b6;" |'''2,394'''||style="text-align:left;" | 5,330 (Orlando City)<br />4,927 (Rochester) || style="text-align:left;" | 410 (Los Angeles Blues)<br />542 (Dayton) ||<ref name="usldiscussions">{{cite web|url=http://www.usldiscussions.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/topic/26612/gonew/1|title=current 2011 attendance - USL Discussions|publisher=usldiscussions.com|access-date=May 2, 2014}}</ref> |- | [[2012 USL Pro season|2012]] || 11 ||'''345,790''' ||'''2,777''' || style="background:#ffb6b6;" |'''20,321''' || style="background:#ffb6b6;" |'''4,064''' || '''366,111''' ||'''2,712''' ||style="text-align:left;" | 6,606 (Orlando City)<br />6,265 (Rochester) || style="text-align:left;" | 666 (Los Angeles Blues)<br />722 (Dayton) || |- | [[2013 USL Pro season|2013]] || 13 || '''464,723'''|| '''2,611''' || '''48,920'''|| '''6,989''' || '''513,643''' || '''2,718''' ||style="text-align:left;" | 8,056 (Orlando City)<br />5,898 (Rochester) || style="text-align:left;" | 378 (VSI Tampa Bay)<br />718 (Los Angeles Blues) ||<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kenn.com/the_blog/?p=5613|title=Taking Attendance 9/13/2013: Final USL Pro Numbers|work=kenn.com}}</ref> |- | [[2014 USL Pro season|2014]] || 14 || '''610,351'''|| '''3,114''' || '''37,778'''|| '''5,397''' || '''648,129'''|| '''2,987''' ||style="text-align:left;" | 11,293 (Sacramento)<br />5,329 (Rochester) || style="text-align:left;" | 533 (Dayton)<br />597 (LA Galaxy II) ||<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dohertysoccer.com/2014-lower-division-american-soccer-attendances/2014-usl-pro-season-attendance-log/|title=2014 USL-Pro Season Attendance Log|work=Doherty Soccer|access-date=August 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722122348/http://dohertysoccer.com/2014-lower-division-american-soccer-attendances/2014-usl-pro-season-attendance-log/|archive-date=July 22, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> |- | [[2015 USL season|2015]]|| 24 || '''1,121,962'''|| '''3,369''' || '''60,090'''|| '''5,463''' || '''1,182,052''' || '''3,407'''|| style="text-align:left;" | 11,313 (Sacramento)<br />6,765 (Louisville City) || style="text-align:left;" | 313 (FC Montreal)<br />479 (Toronto FC ll) ||<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewContent.dbml?CONTENT_ID=1213866&DB_OEM_ID=32800#conf.wkt|title=USL 2015 Stat Leaders - United Soccer League|work=uslsoccer.com|access-date=October 1, 2015|archive-date=October 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002021518/http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewContent.dbml?CONTENT_ID=1213866&DB_OEM_ID=32800#conf.wkt|url-status=dead}}</ref> |- | [[2016 USL season|2016]]|| 29 || '''1,496,493'''|| '''3,439''' || || '''5,281''' || || || style="text-align:left;" | 17,296 (FC Cincinnati)<br />11,514 (Sacramento) || style="text-align:left;" | 243 (FC Montreal)<br />589 (New York Red Bulls II) ||<ref>{{cite web |title=USL Total Attendance Soars by 33 Percent in 2016|url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/703007?referrer_id=2349190 |website=uslsoccer.com |access-date=October 14, 2016 |date=September 28, 2016}}</ref> |- | [[2017 USL season|2017]]|| 30 || '''2,065,006'''||'''4,302''' || || '''5,339''' || || || style="text-align:left;" | 21,198 (FC Cincinnati)<br />11,569 (Sacramento) || style="text-align:left;" | 632 (New York Red Bulls II)<br />869 (Vancouver Whitecaps 2) || |- | [[2018 USL season|2018]]|| 33 || style="background:#dfd;" | '''2,756,759'''|| '''4,923''' || || '''7,786''' || || || style="text-align:left;" | 25,717 (FC Cincinnati)<br />11,311 (Sacramento) || style="text-align:left;" | 810 (Toronto FC II)<br />812 (New York Red Bulls II) || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://soccerstadiumdigest.com/2018-usl-attendance/|title=2018 USL Attendance}}</ref> |- | [[2019 USL Championship season|2019]]|| 36 ||'''2,740,323''' || '''4,478''' || ||'''5,389''' || || ||style="text-align:left;" | 12,693 (New Mexico United)<br />10,734 (Indy Eleven) || style="text-align:left;" | 478 (Bethlehem Steel FC)<br />505 (Swope Park Rangers) || |-style="background:#ff9;" | |[[2020 USL Championship season|2020]]|| 35 ||'''64,619''' || '''4,039''' || || || || || || || |-style="background:#ff9;" | |[[2021 USL Championship season|2021]]|| 31 || '''1,742,808''' || '''4,138''' ||'''93,029''' ||'''6,645''' || '''1,835,837''' || '''4,220'''|| style="text-align:left;" | 12,115 (Louisville City)<br />10,418 (New Mexico United) || style="text-align:left;" | 310 (Loudoun United)<br />369 (New York Red Bulls II)||<ref>{{cite web |title=2022 USL Championship Season – By the Numbers |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1214006#:~:text=1%2C835%2C837%2DUSL%20Championship%20clubs%20welcomed,of%202.87%20goals%20per%20game. |website=USL Championship |access-date=6 January 2026}}</ref> |- |[[2022 USL Championship season|2022]]|| 27 || '''1,983,922''' ||'''5,061'''* || '''104,695''' ||style="background:#dfd;" | '''8,054''' || '''2,088,617'''|| '''5,131'''* || style="text-align:left;" | 10,724 (New Mexico United)<br />10,465 (Louisville City) || style="text-align:left;" | 325 (LA Galaxy II)<br />399 (New York Red Bulls II)||<ref>{{cite web|url=https://soccerstadiumdigest.com/2022-usl-championship-attendance/ |title=2022 USL Championship Attendance |publisher=Soccer Stadium Digest |date=October 16, 2022 |access-date=October 25, 2022}}</ref> |- |[[2023 USL Championship season|2023]]|| 24 ||'''1,996,066''' || style="background:#dfd;" | '''5,803'''* || '''95,916''' ||'''6,394'''|| '''2,091,982''' || style="background:#dfd;" | '''5,827'''* | style="text-align:left;" | 10,627 (Sacramento)<br />10,547 (Louisville City) | style="text-align:left;" | 1,432 (Miami FC)<br />2,664 (Loudoun United) |<ref>{{Cite web |title=2023 USL Championship Attendance |url=https://soccerstadiumdigest.com/2023-usl-championship-attendance/ |access-date=January 9, 2024 |website=Soccer Stadium Digest |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | [[2024 USL Championship season|2024]]|| 24 || '''2,123,760''' ||'''5,009''' || style="background:#dfd;" | '''105,314'''||'''7,021'''|| '''2,229,074'''|| '''5,078''' | style="text-align:left;" | 10,106 (Sacramento)<br />9,795 (Indy) | style="text-align:left;" | 1,075 (Miami)<br />1,882 (Las Vegas) | <ref> {{Cite web |title= USL Championship 2024 |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/competition/co3994/se61628/attendance/ |access-date=October 24, 2025 |website=World Football |language=en-US}}</ref><ref> {{Cite web |title= USL Championship 2024 Playoffs |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/competition/co3994/se81650/attendance/ |access-date=October 24, 2025 |website=World Football |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | [[2025 USL Championship season|2025]]|| 24 || '''2,002,663'''||'''5,563''' || '''100,391'''|| '''7,722''' || '''2,103,054''' || '''5,623''' | style="text-align:left;" | 9,801 (Sacramento)<br /> 9,751 (Louisville) | style="text-align:left;" | 1,166 (Miami)<br /> 2,333 (Loudoun) | |- |colspan=11 align=left|<small>*Average attendance only includes matches in which attendances were reported. Matches without attendance are exlcuded.</small> |} {| class="wikitable" ! Key |- | style="background:#dfd;" | Record high |- | style="background:#ffb6b6;" | Record low |- | style="background:#ff9;" | Affected by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] |}
== See also ==
{{Portal|Association football}} * [[Soccer in the United States]] * [[Soccer in Canada]] * [[Professional sports leagues in the United States]]
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
== External links == {{Commons category}} * {{official website}}
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