Introducing MLS NEXT Pro...

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Growing the Sport for a New North America.

Launched in 2022 by Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT Pro is a professional men’s soccer league in the United States and Canada that completes the pro player pathway. MLS NEXT Pro continues to grow the game through innovation and diversity, bringing professional soccer to new communities and creating global opportunities both on and off the field. MLS NEXT Pro enters its second season in 2023 with 27 teams, all affiliated with MLS clubs. Seven are new to MLS NEXT Pro in 2023: Atlanta United 2, Austin FC II, Crown Legacy FC (Charlotte FC), Huntsville City FC (Nashville SC), LA Galaxy II, Los Angeles Football Club 2 and New York Red Bulls II. Additional MLS-affiliated and independent clubs will join in the years ahead, including Carolina Core FC in 2024 and Cleveland in 2025. The majority of MLS NEXT Pro matches in 2023 will be available to watch live and on-demand on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app as part of the groundbreaking partnership between Apple and MLS.

MLS NEXT Pro enters its second season in 2023 with 27 teams, all affiliated with MLS clubs. Seven are new to MLS NEXT Pro in 2023.

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 technical and front office staff, and an amplifier for fans, communities, and ideas.

We are committed to:

Accelerating the future of soccer in North America

  • 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.

Empowering local communities

  • Activating communities to come together and grow the game. Inspiring, celebrating and uniting our vibrant cities, cultures and people.

Establishing a platform for innovation and diversity

  • Encouraging a broad representation of talent on and off the field and constantly seeking to build an enhanced soccer experience for all.

Completing the pro player pathway

  • Creating an integrated path to MLS and beyond. Supporting players across all key stages of development.