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 from MLS NEXT to MLS first teams. MLS NEXT Pro continues to grow the game through innovation and diversity, bringing professional soccer to new communities and creating opportunities both on and off the field. MLS NEXT Pro will celebrate its third season in 2024 with 29 teams, 27 MLS-affiliated and two independent, Carolina Core FC and Chattanooga FC. Additional MLS-affiliated and independent clubs will join in the years ahead, including Cleveland, Jacksonville Armada FC and Connecticut United FC. The majority of MLS NEXT Pro’s matches are broadcast on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV as part of the groundbreaking partnership between Apple and MLS.
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.