"Major League Soccer (MLS) commissioner Don Garber is not drawing such a hard line in the sand anymore when it comes to the concept of promotion/relegation. Back in the day, I would say never,' Garber said during his state of the league address at Audi Field on Thursday night. Today, we say there's no real point in saying never because I don't know what the future would look like. I certainly never thought we would adapt to the international calendar."
"Do not expect it any time soon, as the North American soccer system lacks the talent depth and proper organization to create concrete tiers that would ensure the survival of teams moving between different divisions. Under the second division, the 24-team USL Championship, the third tier of North American soccer includes MLS NEXT Pro, which is largely comprised of academy teams for professional clubs, and USL League One, established in 2019, featuring 14 teams."
Major League Soccer no longer rules out promotion/relegation as an absolute, yet implementation is not expected in the near future due to insufficient talent depth and organizational structure. The current North American pyramid includes the 24-team USL Championship as the second division, while the third tier consists of MLS NEXT Pro, largely academy teams, and USL League One, founded in 2019 with 14 teams. Continued development of lower divisions could eventually create a sustainable ecosystem for movement between tiers. MLS growth across its first 30 seasons, strong attendance, and rising international star signings increase the league's long-term prospects.
Read at www.amny.com
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