MLS NEXT Pro is a new professional league that will be a platform for innovation and diversity, inspiring creativity and development across all facets of the game.

INAUGURAL

CLUBS

WESTERN
CONFERENCE

  • Colorado
  • Dallas
  • Houston
  • Kansas City
  • Minnesota
  • Portland
  • Salt Lake
  • San Jose
  • Seattle
  • St. Louis
  • Vancouver

EASTERN
CONFERENCE

  • Chicago
  • Cincinnati
  • Columbus
  • Miami
  • New England
  • New York City
  • Orlando
  • Philadelphia
  • Rochester*
  • Toronto

*Independent pro club

Eight additional MLS-affiliated teams will join MLS NEXT Pro in 2023, including: Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, D.C., LA, LAFC, Nashville, and RBNY. MLS NEXT Pro will also introduce additional independent clubs to the league in 2023 and beyond.

LEAGUE

STRUCTURE

FOUNDING CLUBS
FOR 2022

LEAGUE GAMES
PER CLUB

TEAM
PLAYOFFS

LEAGUE CUP
FINAL

FUTURE INTERNATIONAL GAMES,
CUPS & TOURNAMENTS

WE STAND FOR

Progress. Always pushing forward, never not improving, growing the sport for a new North America.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO

Providing new opportunities for players, coaches, referees and staff to learn and develop. Bringing the sport to new markets and creating a new generation of fans.
Activating communities to come together and grow the game. Inspiring, celebrating and uniting our vibrant cities, cultures and people.
Encouraging a broad representation of talent on and off the field and constantly seeking to build an enhanced soccer experience for all.
Creating an integrated path to MLS and beyond. Supporting players across all key stages of development.

PRO PLAYER

PATHWAY

The global stars of tomorrow play in MLS NEXT Pro today.

The path is clearer than ever and aligned with the world’s game where players ascend from youth academy to professional teams before breaking onto the global stage.

But it’s not just for players. MLS NEXT Pro will be the proving ground for coaches, referees, front office staff and administrators and an amplifier for fans, communities and new ideas.

"MLS NEXT Pro is a new professional league that establishes a unified and accelerated professional pathway between our academies and the first teams of MLS and independent clubs throughout North America. Off the field, MLS NEXT Pro will provide a platform to drive forward diversity, develop and nurture talent, while bringing soccer to new markets and new fans around the country."

— Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber