MLS Next Pro: The Bridge to Professional Soccer in North America
MLS Next Pro (MLSNP) is a men's professional soccer league operating in the United States and Canada. Affiliated with Major League Soccer (MLS), the league serves as a critical developmental bridge, allowing young talent to transition from youth academies to the highest level of professional play. Launched in 2022, the league has rapidly expanded to become a cornerstone of the North American soccer ecosystem.
Currently classified as part of the third tier of the United States soccer league system, MLS Next Pro consists of 30 clubs. The majority of these are reserve sides for MLS teams, though the league also welcomes independent clubs such as Carolina Core FC, Chattanooga FC, and CT United. As of the 2026 season, 27 of the 30 MLS teams maintain an affiliation with an MLS Next Pro franchise.
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Key Facts
- Founded: June 21, 2021; began play in 2022.
- Pyramid Level: Division III professional soccer.
- Structure: 30 clubs divided into Eastern and Western Conferences.
- Current Champion: New York Red Bulls II (2025).
- Regular Season Title Holder: St. Louis City 2 (2025).
- Domestic Competition: Participates in the U.S. Open Cup.
- Broadcaster: OneFootball YouTube.
The Evolution of Player Development
The creation of MLS Next Pro was the result of a long-term effort by Major League Soccer to refine how players are developed. In the mid-2000s, MLS teams established academies to nurture young talent. This led to the launch of a reserve league in 2005 for the 12 teams then active in MLS, providing academy players with more meaningful competition.
Following a partnership with the USL, the original Reserve League was dissolved to allow MLS players to be loaned to third-division teams. During this era, several MLS clubs—including Real Salt Lake, LA Galaxy, Toronto FC, and the Portland Timbers—began fielding their own "B teams" or "No. 2 teams." This evolution eventually culminated in the formal establishment of MLS Next Pro on June 21, 2021.
The Inaugural Season
The league officially kicked off on March 25, 2022, at Hermann Stadium in St. Louis. In the first-ever match, St. Louis City 2 defeated Rochester New York FC 2–0, with Wan Kuzain scoring the league's first goal in the 20th minute.
Unique Rules and Competition Format
To prioritize development and entertainment, MLS Next Pro employs several non-traditional rules. Notably, all regular season draws are decided by penalty shootouts rather than ending in a tie. The league also utilizes concussion substitutions and specific rules to curb gamesmanship and time-wasting.
Regarding discipline, the league uses a unique red card system: a suspension resulting from a red card or two yellow cards in a single match is served only when the player next faces that same opponent.
Season Structure and Rosters
The season runs from spring to fall, starting in March. Each team competes in 28 regular-season games, leading into a 16-team playoff tournament. Unlike the top-flight MLS, MLS Next Pro does not feature a salary cap, and contracts are held by the individual teams rather than the league.
- Professional Roster: Up to 24 professional players (excluding amateur academy players).
- International Limit: Maximum of seven international players.
- Active Roster: Up to 35 players eligible for selection per match.
League Overview and Performance
The league is split into two conferences: the Eastern and Western Conferences. While many teams are directly affiliated with MLS parent clubs, independent teams provide a diverse competitive landscape.
| Season | Playoff Champion | Regular Season Champion |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Columbus Crew 2 | N/A |
| 2023 | Austin FC II | Colorado Rapids 2 |
| 2024 | North Texas SC | N/A |
| 2025 | New York Red Bulls II | St. Louis City 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between MLS Next Pro and MLS Next?
MLS Next Pro is a professional league (Division III) for reserve and independent teams, whereas MLS Next is the youth academy system focused on developmental age groups.
How are draws handled in the regular season?
Unlike most professional leagues, MLS Next Pro does not allow draws in the regular season; all tied matches are decided by a penalty shootout.
Which teams are independent in MLS Next Pro?
Current independent clubs include Carolina Core FC, Chattanooga FC, and CT United. Future independent teams joining in 2027 include Jacksonville Armada FC, Forest City Cleveland, AC Grand Rapids, and The Island F.C.
Does MLS Next Pro have a salary cap?
No, unlike Major League Soccer, MLS Next Pro does not feature a salary cap, and player contracts are managed by the teams themselves.
Where can fans watch MLS Next Pro matches?
Matches are broadcast via OneFootball YouTube.