American soccer has surged in popularity, supported by a tiered league system that spans professional, semi-pro, and amateur competitions. From Major League Soccer’s record-breaking crowds to the booming women’s game, the USA now hosts some of the world’s most competitive soccer divisions. This guide covers the best 10 soccer leagues in the USA – men’s and women’s – with key facts, history, and stats fans and researchers need. The U.S. Soccer league system is unique, with no traditional promotion/relegation, but a clear pyramid of play (Division I, II, III, etc.). We break down each top league, from the premier divisions to developmental circuits.

Image: M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore during an MLS match, illustrating the scale of professional soccer in the USA. Alt: Stadium with cheering crowd watching a soccer match in the United States.

Soccer’s growth in America is measurable. For example, Major League Soccer (MLS) – the Division I men’s league – averaged over 23,000 fans per game in 2024, making it one of the highest-attended pro sports leagues in North America. That passion now extends across men’s and women’s leagues, with new competitions emerging each year. Below we rank and explore the Top 10 U.S. soccer leagues, including men’s Division I-III, women’s top tiers, and major development leagues.

Soccer Leagues in the USA: Top 10 Best Leagues

1. Major League Soccer (MLS)

History & Growth

MLS is the top-tier professional soccer league in the USA (and Canada), established in 1996. It has grown from 10 teams at launch to 30 teams by 2025. MLS is sanctioned as Division I by U.S. Soccer and follows a Spring–Fall season. The league plays across two conferences (Eastern and Western), culminating in playoffs and the MLS Cup championship. Key growth milestones include:

Expansion: MLS has added roughly one team per season on average, with major markets like Seattle, Atlanta, and Austin adding franchises.
Attendance Records: In 2024, MLS set new attendance records with an average of 23,234 fans per game (up 5% from 2023) and over 11.4 million total fans.
Star Power: Many Latin America and European stars have played in MLS, raising its profile globally. Atlanta United has drawn over 50,000 per game on average, a North American record for soccer.

Major League Soccer is recognized as a leader in U.S. pro soccer, with world-class venues (e.g. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Banc of California Stadium) and a commitment to youth development through academies.

Structure & Teams

MLS fields two conferences of 15 teams each (as of 2025). Every team plays 34 regular-season matches, followed by an 8-team playoff per conference. The Supporters’ Shield goes to the best overall regular-season record, while the MLS Cup playoffs crown the champion. Notable features include:

High Expansion Fees: New MLS teams (e.g. St. Louis City SC, San Diego FC in 2025) pay $200M+ to join.
Designated Players: The “Beckham Rule” allows each club up to three high-salary players outside the salary cap, attracting global stars.
Global Competitions: MLS teams compete in the CONCACAF Champions Cup (CCL) and the U.S. Open Cup (domestic knockout cup).

Key Stats: Atlanta United holds the record for highest average MLS attendance (53,002 in 2018), and in 2023 and 2024, 10 MLS teams set or matched their attendance records.

2. National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)

Premier Women’s League

The NWSL is the top-tier women’s professional soccer league in the United States. Founded in 2012 (first season 2013), it replaced earlier leagues (WPS, WUSA). It is sanctioned as Division I for women, alongside the new USL Super League. The NWSL began with 8 teams and has steadily expanded to 14 teams in 2025 (with 16 set for 2026). All matches run from Spring through Fall, matching MLS timing.

Key facts:

Ownership Model: Teams are independently owned (many by MLS franchise owners or women’s team owners) and pay into a central fund.
Growth: The league has expanded from coast to coast, recently adding Utah Royals (returned in 2024) and Bay FC (San Francisco Bay Area, 2024). A Seattle franchise and others join in 2024–2025.
Playoffs: Since 2024, 8 teams make the playoffs with quarterfinals. Portland Thorns FC is the most successful club (3 championships), and North Carolina Courage has won 3 Shields.

The NWSL is known for high-quality play; many USWNT and top international players compete here. Its average attendance in 2023 was ~11,800 per match (one of the highest for women’s league worldwide). Orlando Pride won both the 2024 NWSL Shield and championship.

Teams & Format

As of 2025, the NWSL’s 14 teams (soon 16) include:

West Coast: OL Reign (Seattle), Portland Thorns FC, Bay FC, San Diego Wave FC.
East/Midwest: N.Y. Gotham FC, NJ/NY Gotham (Newark), North Carolina Courage, Chicago Red Stars, Washington Spirit, Kansas City Current, Houston Dash, Orlando Pride, Racing Louisville FC, Angel City FC (LA).
Six of 14 teams have direct MLS club affiliations (e.g. Portland with Timbers, Chicago with Fire), boosting resources.

Teams play 26 games (13 home/away). The Supporters’ Shield goes to the best regular-season record; playoff champ is NWSL Champion. Since its inception, the NWSL has steadily increased national broadcast coverage (CBS, Twitch, Amazon Prime) and media interest.

3. USL Championship

Division II Men’s League

The USL Championship is the second-tier men’s professional league in the USA. Operated by the United Soccer League (USL), it’s sanctioned as USSF Division II. Founded in 2010 and first played in 2011 (as USL Pro), USL Championship has rapidly expanded. After re-branding in 2019, it currently has 24 teams (2024) across two conferences.

Highlights:

Structure: Two conferences (Eastern/Western) with an 24-team regular season. Top 8 teams from each conference make a playoff, culminating in the USL Championship Final.
Teams: Clubs like Louisville City FC, Sacramento Republic FC, and Tampa Bay Rowdies have strong followings. It includes independent teams and formerly MLS-affiliated clubs (e.g. LA Galaxy II).
Connection to MLS: Several former USLC clubs (Orlando City, FC Cincinnati, Nashville SC) moved up to MLS. Additionally, D.C. United’s reserve team played here until MLS Next Pro started.

Notable Stats: USL Championship champions as of 2024 are Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Louisville City FC boasts 2 titles (most overall). The league runs March–October and its teams often compete in the U.S. Open Cup, providing giant-killer opportunities vs. MLS.

4. USL League One

Emerging Division III Men’s League

Launched in 2019, USL League One is a sanctioned Division III men’s professional league. Organized by the USL, it began with 10 teams and has been growing. The league is designed to fill markets below the Championship level, often in smaller cities.

Key points:

Teams: Clubs include Tormenta FC, Union Omaha, Forward Madison FC, and Lexington SC, among others. Many have strong local community support.
Growth: Sanctioned in late 2018, League One added teams gradually. By the 2025 season it was slated to have 14 teams. The league plays March–October, with playoffs.
Relation to Championship: While not promotion/relegation, League One offers a professional stepping stone. Some clubs aim for upward movement (e.g. Union Omaha has talked expansion ambitions).

Features of USL League One include developing regional soccer and providing pro opportunities for USL League Two/college players. It also feeds players to MLS Next Pro and higher leagues.

5. MLS Next Pro

MLS’ Reserve League (Men’s Division III)

MLS Next Pro is a new men’s league started in 2022 as an official MLS reserve/youth pathway. It occupies the third tier (USSF Division III) and is fully owned by MLS. Key aspects:

Teams: Began in 2022 with 21 teams (mostly MLS reserve sides). By 2025, MLS Next Pro has 29 teams – 27 reserve teams of MLS clubs plus 2 independent clubs (e.g. Rochester New York FC, Tampa Bay’s reserve formerly in USL).
Format: It operates similarly to MLS with Eastern/Western conferences. It uses some experimental rules (e.g. shootouts for draws, concussion substitutions).
Purpose: Serves as a bridge between youth academies (MLS Next) and first teams. All MLS clubs were encouraged to transition their USL reserve teams to Next Pro by 2023. For example, Colorado Rapids 2, LA Galaxy II moved to MLS Next Pro.

MLS Next Pro quickly became an important development league. It has playoffs culminating in the MLS Next Pro Cup. Teams like Columbus Crew 2 and Toronto FC II have won titles.

Youth Development

MLS Next Pro emphasizes youth: rosters have up to 35 players (maximum 24 pros). It helps young Americans grow in a competitive pro environment, aligning with U.S. Soccer’s emphasis on academies. Top prospects often debut here before joining MLS first teams.

6. USL League Two

Pre-Professional Summer League

USL League Two (formerly PDL) is a semi-professional/amateur league primarily for college players to compete in summer. It’s considered the fourth tier and feeds professional ranks. Highlights:

Scale: In 2025, USL League Two features 144 teams split into 19 regional divisions. This makes it one of the largest soccer leagues globally by club count.
Schedule: The season runs May–July to accommodate NCAA athletes’ summer break. Teams play 12–14 games, then playoffs in late July/August.
Role: Most players retain college eligibility. Many current pros (MLS, Europe) played USL2 in college summers. The top clubs (Flint City Bucks, Des Moines Menace) have won multiple championships.

Bullet points – key facts about USL League Two:

Development Focus: Offers high-level competition for under-23 players.
Championships: The Seacoast United Phantoms won the 2024 title; Flint City Bucks hold most titles (4).
Affiliations: Some teams are development arms of pro clubs, while others are elite local clubs.

USL2 is crucial for the American soccer pyramid, serving as a bridge from college to pro and nurturing talent nationwide.

7. USL Super League

New Women’s Division I League

The USL Super League (USLS) is a brand-new professional women’s league that launched its inaugural season in Fall 2024. Sanctioned at the top tier (Division I) alongside NWSL, it is backed by the United Soccer League. Key features:

Teams: The initial season has 8 clubs (9 planned for 2025-26) across major markets like Miami (Inter Miami’s ownership), Chicago, Louisville, Nashville, the Carolinas, D.C., and New England.
Format: Unique in having split Fall/Spring competitions (each team plays each other four times). Top four then enter playoffs.
Objective: Created to build a USL women’s pyramid, linking pro to the USL W League. USLS aims to provide a path for youth and pro players within the USL system.
Status: It’s the first U.S. women’s league with two Division I leagues simultaneously (NWSL and USLS).

USL Super League promises significant investment: no salary cap and minimum salaries around $35K, attracting quality. Its 2024-25 season kicked off in August 2024. While still in its infancy, it’s a major addition that increases pro opportunities for women in the USA.

8. Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL)

Largest Amateur Women’s League

The WPSL is a nationwide women’s amateur league that has been running since 1998. It’s often cited as the largest women’s soccer league in the world. Key points:

Scale: For 2025, WPSL projected 150+ teams across 34 states. This is record growth – a 45% increase in membership over a decade. The league’s footprint covers almost every U.S. region.
Structure: Split into four regions (East, Midwest, South, West), each with multiple conferences. Teams typically play in the summer (after college season).
Role: WPSL is amateur/pre-pro. It includes college players, post-collegiate players, and former pros. It has alumni like Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and Sophia Smith. Many USWNT stars got experience here.

Notable details:

It’s called the longest-tenured women’s league in North America.
Member clubs range from youth-affiliated teams to MLS club-affiliated “2” teams. In 2024, 42% of WPSL teams were affiliated with men’s pro clubs (MLS, USL, etc.).
It operates concurrently with WPSL’s Division II (Pro-Am) tier for developing clubs.

The WPSL is vital for grassroots and player development in the women’s game, filling the gap between youth and pro, and offering large-scale competition for aspiring players.

9. USL W League

Semi-Pro Women’s League

Launched in 2022, the USL W League (USLW) is a pre-professional women’s league under the USL umbrella. It follows the legacy of the former USL W-League (1995–2015) and provides another pathway in the American women’s soccer landscape. Highlights:

Growth: Started with 44 teams in 2022; by 2025 it has expanded to 93 clubs across 4 conferences and 15 divisions. It’s rapidly growing, though not sanctioned by U.S. Soccer (so not part of the official pyramid).
Purpose: Primarily targets college-aged players and post-collegians. It bridges youth soccer and the pro ranks, often seen as a step below the NWSL and USL Super League.
Connections: Many teams are affiliated with men’s USL clubs (Portland Thorns’ youth, Indy Eleven, North Carolina Courage have USLW teams). This provides infrastructure support.

Key facts from [19]:

“The inaugural season began in 2022 with 44 teams across 20 states… By 2023 the league had grown to 65 teams”.
The Charlotte-based North Carolina Courage U23 won the first USLW championship in 2022, and repeated in 2024.

The USL W League’s rapid expansion shows strong interest in women’s soccer below the professional tier. It complements the WPSL and offers competitive summer play (May–July) for top amateur women players.

10. National Independent Soccer Association (NISA)

Independent Division III Men’s League

NISA is a relatively new, independent professional men’s league that played in 2019–2022. It was sanctioned as Division III by U.S. Soccer. Though smaller in profile than the USL leagues, NISA has carved a niche:

Clubs: Started with teams like Detroit City FC, Chattanooga FC, and Oakland Roots SC. As of 2024, it featured about 9 active clubs (with others coming and going due to financial challenges).
Format: Initially attempted a two-season (fall/spring) format, but later shifted to a single calendar-year season. Playoffs determine its champion.
Philosophy: NISA’s mission was to provide an open model, hinting at eventual promotion/relegation concepts (though none implemented). It welcomed self-funded clubs and community-owned teams.
Current Status: NISA lost its professional sanctioning for 2025, and its future format is uncertain. However, Detroit City and others have remained active, sometimes in NISA Nation (semi-pro) or joining NISA.

While NISA’s standalone impact is limited compared to MLS or USL, it represents the independent spirit in U.S. soccer. Fans appreciate its grassroots approach and low barriers to entry for pro clubs.

Conclusion

Soccer in the USA today spans a wide ecosystem of leagues – from the internationally-recognized MLS and NWSL at the top, down to grassroots giants like USL League Two and WPSL. Each league above plays a key role in the American soccer system: developing talent, engaging fans, and expanding the sport’s reach.

To recap the top 10 soccer leagues in the USA: Major League Soccer (MLS), National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), USL Championship, USL League One, MLS Next Pro, USL League Two, USL Super League, WPSL, USL W League, and NISA. Together, these leagues showcase the tiered, diverse nature of U.S. soccer and the growing opportunities for players and supporters alike.

Embrace the excitement of American soccer by following these leagues – from college summer circuits to professional stadium showdowns – and stay tuned as the soccer pyramid continues to evolve. Don’t forget to share this article on social media and join the conversation in the comments below. Explore more about the U.S. soccer league system via the U.S. Soccer Federation or Wikipedia to understand how all these competitions interconnect in one dynamic system.

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FAQ

Q: What is the top soccer league in the USA?
A: Major League Soccer (MLS) is the top-tier professional men’s soccer league in the United States, founded in 1996. On the women’s side, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is the highest level. Both MLS and NWSL are sanctioned as Division I by U.S. Soccer.

Q: How many divisions or tiers are there in US soccer?
A: The U.S. soccer league system is tiered but does not have promotion/relegation. As of 2025, there are defined Division I (MLS, NWSL, USL Super League), Division II (USL Championship for men), Division III (USL League One, MLS Next Pro, NISA for men), and numerous lower levels. Many amateur and semi-pro leagues (USL League Two, WPSL, etc.) form the base of the pyramid.

Q: Are college soccer (NCAA) teams included in this list?
A: College soccer is a major part of the sport’s landscape, but it’s governed by the NCAA, not the U.S. Soccer Federation pyramid. NCAA Division I men’s soccer has over 200 teams, and women’s soccer (not listed above) has similarly large participation. However, colleges are not “leagues” per se in the pro system, so they weren’t counted among the top 10 leagues. They do feed talent into the listed leagues, though.

Q: What is the USL Championship? Is it professional?
A: Yes, the USL Championship is a fully professional league and the sanctioned Division II men’s league under U.S. Soccer. It includes independent pro clubs and formerly MLS-affiliated teams, with strong regional support and its own playoff championship.

Q: How do these leagues fit into youth development?
A: The U.S. system includes youth and development leagues (MLS Next Pro for MLS reserves, USL League Two for top college players, etc.). Clubs in MLS, USL, and WPSL often have youth academies. The new USL Super League was created partly to create a youth-to-pro pathway in women’s soccer. Young players often play in these leagues before moving to higher divisions.