Major League Soccer (MLS) announced Monday the creation of a lower level league that will begin operations in the spring of 2022, a circuit that will provide a platform between MLS NEXT and the professional ranks.
Thus, the first campaign in the history of this league will offer a schedule similar to that of the MLS. Hostilities will begin at the end of March and conclude with the playoffs in the fall. The championship game will be held in early December. Details regarding roster names, logos as well as participating teams and which will be admitted through the expansion will be revealed later this year. The next few months will be devoted to hiring employees and managers. The league will use MLS resources at its New York offices
In a statement, the MLS added that the clubs of the new entity will not have affiliation with its organizations, unlike what is possible in hockey or major baseball.
“We are excited to launch a new league that will complete the path between academies and MLS teams,” said MLS President and Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott. Also, there will be more opportunities for MLS caliber players. This circuit will also develop a large group of coaches, referees and executives, while attracting the interest of fans not fortunate enough to support a local club in their city. “
The initiators of the project also say they want to increase the attractiveness of their sport a few years before the 2026 World Cup which will take place in North America.
