USL Championship#Competition format

{{Further|USL First Division#History|USSF Division 2 Professional League}}

Although it was leaked by the Dayton Dutch Lions weeks prior,{{cite news |url=http://www.dutchlionsfc.com/cms/index.php/dayton-dutch-lions-fc/80-global-united-fc/311-ddl-fc-will-play-usl-season-2011 |title=DDL FC will play USL next season |publisher=Dutch Lions FC |date=August 11, 2010 |access-date=September 10, 2010}} the USL announced the merger of its First and Second Division into the D3-sanctioned USL Pro in a September 2010 press release.{{cite news|url=http://usl1.uslsoccer.com/home/464019.html |title=USL Restructures Professional Division |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=September 8, 2010 |access-date=September 8, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101011101750/http://usl1.uslsoccer.com/home/464019.html |archive-date=October 11, 2010}} The Lions, then a Premier Development League (PDL) team, joined the new league alongside the five remaining Second Division clubs; the Charleston Battery, Charlotte Eagles, Harrisburg City Islanders, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, and Richmond Kickers;{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/470161.html |title=Dutch Lions Join USL Pro |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=September 30, 2010 |access-date=September 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610174556/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/470161.html |archive-date=June 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}}{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/469414.html |title=Battery To Play in USL Pro |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=September 28, 2010 |access-date=September 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001190158/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/469414.html |archive-date=October 1, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|url=http://usl2.uslsoccer.com/home/471132.html |title=Charlotte Joins USL Pro |publisher=slsoccer.com |date=October 4, 2010 |access-date=October 8, 2010}}{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/471990.html |title=City Islanders Join USL Pro |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=October 7, 2010 |access-date=October 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101009083436/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/471990.html |archive-date = October 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}}{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/475949.html |title=Riverhounds Join USL Pro |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=October 22, 2010 |access-date=October 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009220245/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/475949.html |archive-date=October 9, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}}{{cite news |url=http://www.richmondkickers.com/home/464229.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100912173707/http://www.richmondkickers.com/home/464229.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 12, 2010 |title=Kickers Join USL Pro |publisher=richmondkickers.com |date=September 8, 2010 |access-date=September 14, 2010}} and a reactivated Wilmington Hammerheads, who last played in the Second Division.{{cite news |url=http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/479652.html |title=Hammerheads Return for 2011 |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=November 9, 2010 |access-date=November 12, 2010}} The lone surviving First Division club, Austin Aztex FC, joined after they relocated to Orlando, Florida and became Orlando City SC.{{cite news |last=Barbaro |first=Nick |date=October 25, 2010 |title=Other Shoe Drops: Aztex Gone to Orlando |url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/sports/2010-10-25/other-shoe-drops-aztex-gone-to-orlando/ |work=Austin Chronicle |access-date=October 8, 2023}}{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/476358.html |title=Orlando City Joins USL Pro |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=October 25, 2010 |access-date=October 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101027025426/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/476358.html |archive-date=October 27, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}} The Rochester Rhinos returned to the USL to join, after aborting their plan to join the NASL.{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/476335.html |title=Rochester Rhinos Back in USL |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=October 25, 2010 |access-date=October 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101027030313/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/476335.html |archive-date=October 27, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}}

USL President Tim Holt initially hoped to launch USL Pro with 14–20 teams across four conferences.{{cite news |url=http://www.potomacsoccerwire.com/news/460/12906 |title=USL Pro League seeks to embrace regional model |publisher=potomacsoccerwire.com |date=September 14, 2010 |access-date=September 14, 2010 |archive-date=March 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301202123/http://www.potomacsoccerwire.com/news/460/12906 |url-status=dead}} He projected a growth to 22–26 teams by 2013, and 28–32 teams by 2015. Two of these conferences were to be a "Caribbean" and "Western" division – the league added the Puerto Rico Soccer League's (PRSL) Puerto Rico United, River Plate Puerto Rico, and Sevilla FC Puerto Rico; and the Antigua Barracuda and Los Angeles Blues; as expansion teams to serve as "building blocks" for these divisions.{{cite news |url=http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/485304.html |title=LA Blues Set to Play in USL Pro |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=December 7, 2010 |access-date=December 7, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210082907/http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/485304.html |archive-date=December 10, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}}{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/468481.html |title=Sevilla, River Plate Join USL Pro |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=September 23, 2010 |access-date=September 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101105041235/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/468481.html |archive-date=November 5, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}}{{cite news |url=http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/485822.html |title=Puerto Rico United Joins USL Pro |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=December 9, 2010 |access-date=December 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716110254/http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/485822.html |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}} For the inaugural 2011 season, these five clubs were grouped in a "International" division, while the nine existing USL clubs with another expansion team, F.C. New York,{{cite news |url=http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/481335.html |title=FC New York set for USL Pro |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=November 17, 2010 |access-date=November 18, 2010}} were divided into the "American" and "National" divisions.{{cite web | url =http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/494974.html | title =USL PRO Postseason Format Unveiled | date =January 24, 2011 | work =USL PRO | publisher =Demosphere | access-date =January 25, 2011 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20110129050720/http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/494974.html | archive-date =January 29, 2011 | url-status =dead | df =mdy-all }}

{{CSS image crop |Location=left |Image=Richmond city stadium cropped.jpg |bSize=390 |cWidth=220 |cHeight=145 |oLeft=75 |Alt=View of a football field with a large stand visible |Description=The first match, a Richmond Kickers home game, took place at City Stadium (pictured).}}

The league's first match took place on April 2, 2011 at City Stadium in Richmond, Virginia, where the Kickers defeated Orlando City and Stanley Nyazamba scored the league's first goal.{{cite web|url=http://scsoccerblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/usl-pro-week-1-observations.html|title=USL Pro: Week 1 Observations|website=SC Soccer Blog|date=April 3, 2011|access-date=November 4, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Hugh |title=From USL Pro to USL Championship: The U.S. Soccer Division II league over the years |url=https://gazette.com/sports/switchbacks/from-usl-pro-to-usl-championship-the-u-s-soccer-division-ii-league-over-the/article_e89f9408-fb4e-11ee-8f8a-e317a6e015a3.html |website=The Gazette |location=Colorado Springs |access-date=December 8, 2024 |date=May 12, 2024}} The season initially adopted a schedule where all American and National teams played as a de facto single division, occasionally playing against International teams.{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/482512.html |title=USL Pro Concludes Successful AGM |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=November 23, 2010 |access-date=November 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127180023/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/482512.html |archive-date=November 27, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}}{{cite news |url=http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/492818.html |title=USL Pro Schedule Released |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=January 14, 2011 |access-date=January 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928141520/http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/492818.html |archive-date=September 28, 2011 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/493445.html |title=Shaping the USL Pro Schedule |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=January 17, 2011 |access-date=January 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928141525/http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/493445.html |archive-date=September 28, 2011 |url-status=dead}} However, financial issues plagued the three PRSL clubs, leading to their expulsion five weeks into the season.{{cite web |last1=Veronica |first1=Jeff Di |title=BREAKING NEWS: USL drops its 3 Puerto Rican clubs |url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/soccer/blogs/direct-kicks/2011/05/10/breaking-news-usl-drops-its-3-puerto-rican-clubs/2297807/ |website=Democrat and Chronicle |access-date=February 26, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226042819/https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/soccer/blogs/direct-kicks/2011/05/10/breaking-news-usl-drops-its-3-puerto-rican-clubs/2297807/ |archive-date=February 26, 2025 |date=May 18, 2011 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/524777.html |title=USL Reforms Agreement with PRSL |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=May 10, 2011 |access-date=May 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514205255/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/524777.html |archive-date=May 14, 2011 |url-status=dead }} The International division was abolished, and the Barracuda and Blues moved to the American and National divisions, respectively. The remaining twelve teams completed their 24-game season, and the ensuing playoffs saw Orlando City be crowned the inaugural champions in a penalty shootout against the Islanders.{{cite web |last1=Simon |first1=Nigel |title=Jorsling fires Orlando to USL Pro title |url=https://www.guardian.co.tt/article-6.2.449962.d9302e847b |website=Trinidad and Tobago Guardian |access-date=February 26, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226035806/https://www.guardian.co.tt/article-6.2.449962.d9302e847b |archive-date=February 26, 2025 |date=September 5, 2011 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Orlando City wins the USL Pro Championship |url=http://orlandocitysoccer.com/news/index.html?article_id=492 |website=Orlando City SC |access-date=February 26, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928151252/http://orlandocitysoccer.com/news/index.html?article_id=492 |archive-date=September 28, 2011 |date=September 3, 2011 |url-status=dead}} F.C. New York, also weighed by financial issues, departed for the National Premier Soccer League at the end of the season.{{cite web|url=http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2012/01/08/f-c-new-york-folding-after-one-season/|title=F.C. New York Folding After One Season|publisher=IMSoccer News|date=January 8, 2012|access-date=November 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043450/http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2012/01/08/f-c-new-york-folding-after-one-season/|archive-date=December 1, 2017|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://thesoccerobserver.com/2012/12/18/f-c-new-york-left-without-a-league/|title=FC New York Left Without A League|publisher=The Soccer Observer|date=December 18, 2012|access-date=December 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031023138/http://thesoccerobserver.com/2012/12/18/f-c-new-york-left-without-a-league/|archive-date=October 31, 2014|url-status=dead}} The American and National divisions were abolished and replaced by a single eleven-team table in the 2012 season, which was won by the Battery after defeating the Hammerheads in the Championship game.{{cite web |title=Battery beat Wilmington 1-0, claims USL PRO title |url=https://www.live5news.com/story/19493156/battery-beat-wilmington-1-0-claims-usl-pro-title/ |website=Live 5 News WCSC |access-date=February 26, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226052110/https://www.live5news.com/story/19493156/battery-beat-wilmington-1-0-claims-usl-pro-title/ |archive-date=February 26, 2025 |date=September 9, 2012 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Murray |first1=Nicholas |title=USL Cup Final Rewind: 2012 – Arise, Azira |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/710983-usl-cup-final-rewind-2012-arise-azira |website=USL Championship |access-date=February 26, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226052233/https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/710983-usl-cup-final-rewind-2012-arise-azira |archive-date=February 26, 2025 |date=October 19, 2016 |url-status=live}}

In the 2013 season, affiliations with Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs began as part of a partnership that was billed by MLS executive Todd Durbin as an improvement of "player development, competition and the overall business of our sport."{{cite news |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/01/23/mls-usl-pro-reach-deal-restructured-reserve-league |title=MLS, USL Pro reach deal on restructured Reserve League |publisher=mlssoccer.com |date=January 23, 2013 |access-date=January 27, 2013 |archive-date=January 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126060258/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/01/23/mls-usl-pro-reach-deal-restructured-reserve-league |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/690349.html |title=USL PRO & MLS Announce Partnership |publisher=uslpro.uslsoccer.com |date=January 23, 2013 |access-date=February 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126070047/http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/690349.html |archive-date=January 26, 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|last=Lovell|first=Darrell|title=USL PRO side Pittsburgh Riverhounds 'a great place to send our players to develop' for Houston Dynamo|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/11/26/usl-pro-side-pittsburgh-riverhounds-great-place-send-our-players-develop-hou|work=mlsssoccer.com|publisher=Major League Soccer|access-date=November 26, 2013|archive-date=August 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150802020821/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/11/26/usl-pro-side-pittsburgh-riverhounds-great-place-send-our-players-develop-hou|url-status=dead}} Phoenix FC and VSI Tampa Bay FC entered the league,{{cite news|title=Phoenix to Join USL PRO in 2013|publisher=United Soccer Leagues (USL)|date=July 2, 2012|access-date=July 2, 2012|url=http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/641849.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723012957/http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/641849.html|archive-date=July 23, 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/661405.html |title=Phoenix Announces Name and Logo |publisher=United Soccer Leagues (USL) |date=September 7, 2012 |access-date=April 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018003923/http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/661405.html |archive-date=October 18, 2012 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/579849.html |title=VisionPro Academy Headed to Tampa |publisher=United Soccer Leagues (USL) |date=November 16, 2011 |access-date=August 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527230727/http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/579849.html |archive-date=May 27, 2012 |url-status=dead }} though both would exit with the Barracuda at the season's end – Phoenix FC had their franchise rights revoked for allegedly committing accounting fraud and wage theft,{{cite news | url=http://www.indyweek.com/triangleoffense/archives/2013/11/02/usl-pro-terminates-soccer-franchise-with-phoenix-fc-wolves-owners | title=USL PRO terminates soccer franchise with Phoenix FC Wolves owners | newspaper=Indy Week | date=November 2, 2013 | access-date=December 27, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140208034116/http://www.indyweek.com/triangleoffense/archives/2013/11/02/usl-pro-terminates-soccer-franchise-with-phoenix-fc-wolves-owners | archive-date=February 8, 2014 | url-status=dead }}{{cite web | url=http://www.tucsonsentinel.com/sports/report/110213_phoenix-fc/league-pulls-franchise-from-phoenix-fc-owners-group/ | title=League pulls franchise from Phoenix FC owners group | work=Ted Prezelski | publisher=Tucson Sentinel | date=November 2, 2013 | access-date=December 27, 2013}} while the Barracuda and Tampa Bay folded due to financial troubles.{{cite web|title=USL PRO to see teams fold; MLS to field squads; new team partnership|url=http://odfcnews.com/2013/11/17/usl-pro-teams-fold-mls-field-squads-team-partnership/|url-status=dead|access-date=May 2, 2014|publisher=ODFC News |archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006092256/http://odfcnews.com/2013/11/17/usl-pro-teams-fold-mls-field-squads-team-partnership/}} The Barracuda's final season was one of only six in the history of soccer to be completed without a win or draw.{{cite web |last1=McVeigh |first1=Niall |title=Played 26, lost 26: The story of Antigua Barracuda's record-breaking season |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/apr/04/antigua-barracuda-barbuda-losing-season-usl |website=The Guardian |access-date=February 27, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404153422/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/apr/04/antigua-barracuda-barbuda-losing-season-usl |archive-date=April 4, 2018 |date=April 4, 2018 |url-status=live}} Phoenix FC's franchise rights were awarded to Arizona United SC, who began play the following season.{{cite web |url=http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/794323.html |title=Ownership Change, Rebrand in Phoenix |publisher=United Soccer Leagues (USL) |date=March 13, 2014 |access-date=March 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313223014/http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/794323.html |archive-date=March 13, 2014 |url-status=dead }} Orlando City's victory over the Eagles in the Championship game, their second USL Pro title in three years, was seen as crucial in the club's successful bid to enter the MLS.{{cite web |last1=Veness |first1=Simon |title=Orlando City stake MLS claim with another USL Pro League championship |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/sep/10/orlando-city-usl-pro-championship-mls |website=The Guardian |access-date=February 26, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130912082744/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/sep/10/orlando-city-usl-pro-championship-mls |archive-date=September 12, 2013 |date=September 10, 2013 |url-status=live}}

File:Team Huddle.jpeg (pictured) won the championship, and doubled the season average attendance record in their inaugural season.]]

Choosing not to affiliate with a USL club, the LA Galaxy founded a reserve team within their ownership known as LA Galaxy II,{{cite web|url=http://www.lagalaxy.com/news/2014/01/la-galaxy-announce-usl-pro-team-la-galaxy-ii|title=LA Galaxy announce USL PRO team LA Galaxy II|work=LA Galaxy|access-date=January 29, 2014|archive-date=February 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202095901/http://www.lagalaxy.com/news/2014/01/la-galaxy-announce-usl-pro-team-la-galaxy-ii|url-status=dead}} which entered the USL Pro in the 2014 season alongside Arizona United, Oklahoma City Energy FC, and Sacramento Republic FC.{{cite web |url=http://blogs.sacbee.com/city-beat/2012/12/sacramento-lands-minor-league-soccer-franchise.html |title=Sacramento lands minor league soccer franchise |website=The Sacramento Bee |date=December 3, 2012 |access-date=December 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204145924/http://blogs.sacbee.com/city-beat/2012/12/sacramento-lands-minor-league-soccer-franchise.html |archive-date=December 4, 2012 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/734282.html |title=Oklahoma City to Join USL PRO in 2014 |publisher=USLSoccer.com |date=July 2, 2013 |access-date=July 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705233032/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/734282.html |archive-date=July 5, 2013 |url-status=dead}} The Los Angeles Blues rebranded as Orange County Blues FC.{{cite web|title=Orange County Blues Set For New Era|url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/785709.html|publisher=United Soccer Leagues (USL)|date=February 5, 2014|access-date=February 6, 2014|archive-date=February 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140207234203/http://uslsoccer.com/home/785709.html|url-status=dead}} The Republic would conclude their inaugural season having won the Championship game against the Islanders, and nearly doubling the league's average attendance record.[http://www.sacbee.com/2014/07/28/6587408/sacramento-republic-fc-sets-league.html "Sacramento Republic FC sets USL attendance record"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015073208/http://www.sacbee.com/2014/07/28/6587408/sacramento-republic-fc-sets-league.html |date=October 15, 2014 }}, Sacramento Bee, July 28, 2014.{{Cite web |date=September 27, 2014 |title=Championship might indicate MLS readiness for Republic FC |url=http://www.sacbee.com/2014/09/27/6742156/title-might-indicate-mls-readiness.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140928151143/http://www.sacbee.com/2014/09/27/6742156/title-might-indicate-mls-readiness.html |archive-date=September 28, 2014 |access-date=September 27, 2014 |publisher=Sacramento Bee}}{{Cite web |date=September 27, 2014 |title=Republic FC Claims USL PRO Championship |url=http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/839638.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018101005/http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/839638.html |archive-date=October 18, 2014 |access-date=September 27, 2014 |publisher=United Soccer Leagues (USL)}} The Eagles and Lions exited for the PDL,{{cite web |url=http://ddlfc.com/2014/12/11/dayton-dutch-lions-fc-to-compete-in-pdl-in-2015/ |title=Dayton Dutch Lions FC To Compete in PDL in 2015 |publisher=Dayton Dutch Lions |date=December 11, 2014 |access-date=December 11, 2014}} while Orlando City became the fifth USL club to gain promotion to the MLS.{{cite web|title=MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER AWARDS EXPANSION TEAM TO ORLANDO|url=http://www.orlandocitysoccer.com/news/?article_id=1655|work=orlandocitysoccer.com|publisher=Orlando City Soccer Club|access-date=November 20, 2013|archive-date=November 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131124081339/http://www.orlandocitysoccer.com/news/?article_id=1655|url-status=dead}}{{cite news |last=Schmitz |first=Brian |date=November 19, 2013 |title=MLS officially awards Orlando soccer franchise|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2013/11/19/mls-officially-awards-orlando-soccer-franchise/ |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |access-date=November 20, 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/11/19/orlando-city-sc-fans-owners-see-years-hard-work-bear-fruit-promise-theres-pl |title=Orlando City SC fans, owners see years of hard work bear fruit, but promise there's plenty more to come |last1=Wiebe |first1=Andrew |date=November 19, 2013 |website=mlssoccer.com |publisher=Major League Soccer |access-date=November 20, 2013 |archive-date=November 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131123185415/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/11/19/orlando-city-sc-fans-owners-see-years-hard-work-bear-fruit-promise-theres-pl |url-status=dead}} Upon their exit, the Eagles and Orlando City sold their franchise rights to the Charlotte Independence and Louisville City FC respectively,{{cite web|title=USL PRO Welcomes Independence|url=http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/837607.html|website=USL Pro Men's Soccer}}{{cite news|last1=Linter|first1=Jonathan|title=Louisville pro soccer club to be unveiled Wednesday|url=http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/soccer/2014/06/03/louisville-pro-soccer-club-unveiled-wednesday/9909685/ |newspaper=The Courier-Journal |access-date=June 3, 2014|date=June 3, 2014}} who began play in the 2015 season of the rechristened USL (dropping "Pro" from its name),{{cite web|url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=209874501&SPLASH_SET=YES|title=USL Rising|work=USLSoccer.com|access-date=March 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219033233/http://uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=209874501&SPLASH_SET=YES|archive-date=February 19, 2015|url-status=dead}} alongside Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, Saint Louis FC, and the Tusla Roughnecks. A reincarnated Austin Aztex also joined, but folded after the season due to financial troubles incurred from a historic flood that damaged their home ground.{{cite web|url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=210386800|title=Austin Aztex Will Not Participate in 2016 Season|publisher=United Soccer League (USL)|date=October 2, 2015|access-date=October 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004092733/http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=210386800|archive-date=October 4, 2015|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mystatesman.com/sports/pro-sports/usl-promoted-but-austin-pro-soccer-grounded-for-another-year/DpHzzrzGQvQ0QjYhtz0vyK/|title=USL promoted, but Austin pro soccer grounded for another year|publisher=Austin American-Statesman|date=January 7, 2017|access-date=May 27, 2017|archive-date=December 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225030230/http://www.mystatesman.com/sports/pro-sports/usl-promoted-but-austin-pro-soccer-grounded-for-another-year/DpHzzrzGQvQ0QjYhtz0vyK/|url-status=dead}}

File:Devon Williams (28364933401).jpg reserve teams, such as 2016 champions New York Red Bulls II (pictured), populated the league from 2014–2022.]]

Inspired by the LA Galaxy, seven MLS clubs also fielded club-owned reserve teams into the USL's 2015 season, amid the demise of the MLS Reserve League.{{cite web |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/09/10/real-salt-lake-announce-new-usl-pro-team-will-be-called-real-monarchs |title=Real Salt Lake announce that new USL PRO team will be called Real Monarchs |publisher=Major League Soccer (MLS) |date=September 10, 2014 |access-date=September 10, 2014 |archive-date=September 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911051123/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/09/10/real-salt-lake-announce-new-usl-pro-team-will-be-called-real-monarchs |url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Portland & Seattle Launch USL PRO Teams|url=http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/842042.html|website=United Soccer Leagues (USL)|date=October 14, 2014|access-date=October 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021095429/http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/842042.html|archive-date=October 21, 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/09/04/montreal-impact-field-usl-pro-team-ease-transition-mls-young-players |title=Montreal Impact to field USL PRO team to ease transition to MLS for young players |publisher=MLSSoccer.com |date=September 4, 2014 |access-date=November 4, 2014 |archive-date=August 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150805002428/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/09/04/montreal-impact-field-usl-pro-team-ease-transition-mls-young-players |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.whitecapsfc.com/wfc2/2014/11/whitecaps-fc-launch-usl-pro-team-update-nsdc|title=Whitecaps FC launch USL PRO team, provide update on National Soccer Development Centre at UBC|publisher=Vancouver Whitecaps |date=November 21, 2014 |access-date=November 21, 2014}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2015/01/21/mls-usl-pro-franchises-toronto-fc-ny-red-bulls|title=Toronto FC, NY Red Bulls unveil USL Pro franchises|author=Toronto FC|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=March 21, 2015}} The eleven expansion teams nearly doubled the number of teams in the USL from 13 to 24, necessitating the reintroduction of conferences – the "Eastern" and "Western" conferences – in which teams would play 22 intraconference and six interconference games during the regular season.[http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/01/21/expanded-usl-pro-announces-new-league-alignment-competition-format-2015-seas Expanded USL PRO announces new league alignment, competition format for 2015 season] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122171041/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/01/21/expanded-usl-pro-announces-new-league-alignment-competition-format-2015-seas |date=January 22, 2015 }} (January 21, 2015). MLSSoccer.com. The unprecedented growth inspired the USL to challenge the NASL's D2 sanctioning, applying to U.S. Soccer for D2 sanctioning in early 2015. The Rhinos, led by head coach Bob Lilley, broke all-time USL records for shutouts (17) and fewest goals allowed (15) on their way to their historic fourth and final USL title, defeating the LA Galaxy II in the Championship game.{{cite web |last1=DiVeronica |first1=Jeff |title=Rhinos' Bob Lilley named USL Coach of the Year |url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/soccer/2015/10/28/rhinos-bob-lilley-named-usl-coach-year/74744144/ |website=Democrat and Chronicle |access-date=February 26, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803091647/https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/soccer/2015/10/28/rhinos-bob-lilley-named-usl-coach-year/74744144/ |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |date=October 28, 2015 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Rodriguez |first1=Alicia |title=Rochester Rhinos defeat LA Galaxy II 2-1 in 2015 USL Championship |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/rochester-rhinos-defeat-la-galaxy-ii-2-1-2015-usl-championship |website=Major League Soccer |access-date=February 26, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903144135/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/rochester-rhinos-defeat-la-galaxy-ii-2-1-2015-usl-championship |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |date=October 17, 2015 |url-status=live}}

File:The Bailey (30079277095).jpg repeatedly broke single-match attendance records during their inaugural season at Nippert Stadium (pictured).]]

Three more MLS reserve teams entered in the 2016 season,{{citation |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/07/14/philadelphia-union-planning-create-own-usl-team-2016-its-been-missing-rung-l |title=Philadelphia Union planning to create own USL team for 2016: "It's been a missing rung in the ladder" |publisher=MLS |date=July 14, 2015 |access-date=August 19, 2015 |archive-date=September 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916040721/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/07/14/philadelphia-union-planning-create-own-usl-team-2016-its-been-missing-rung-l |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=210423918 |title=USL Welcomes Back Orlando City SC for 2016 |publisher=United Soccer League |date=October 15, 2015 |access-date=October 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016014619/http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=210423918 |archive-date=October 16, 2015 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=http://www.sportingkc.com/post/2015/10/22/usl-expands-kansas-city-2016-debut-swope-park-rangers |title=USL expands to Kansas City in 2016 with debut of Swope Park Rangers |access-date=October 22, 2015}} alongside San Antonio FC,{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=210596401 |title=Spurs Sports & Entertainment Closes in on USL Club |publisher=uslsoccer.com |access-date=December 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223143417/http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=210596401 |archive-date=December 23, 2015 |url-status=dead}} MLS expansion bidders FC Cincinnati,{{cite web|last1=Hollingsworth|first1=Chad|title=USL to Expand to Cincinnati in 2016|url=http://scratchingthepitch.com/2015/05/10/usl-to-expand-to-cincinnati-in-2016/|website=Scratching the Pitch|access-date=May 12, 2015|archive-date=October 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008082642/http://scratchingthepitch.com/2015/05/10/usl-to-expand-to-cincinnati-in-2016/|url-status=dead}} and Rio Grande Valley FC – a "hybrid" club with independent ownership, but an on-field product managed by the MLS's Houston Dynamo FC.{{citation |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=210212710 |title=USL Awards Expansion Club to Rio Grande Valley |type=Press Release |publisher=United Soccer League |date=July 15, 2015 |access-date=July 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716023040/http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=210212710 |archive-date=July 16, 2015 |url-status=dead}}.{{citation |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/07/15/houston-dynamo-reach-affiliate-agreement-start-usl-club-its-important-and-ne |title=Houston Dynamo reach affiliate agreement to start USL club: "It's an important and necessary step" |publisher=MLSoccer.com |date=July 15, 2015 |access-date=July 15, 2015 |archive-date=August 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150806000443/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/07/15/houston-dynamo-reach-affiliate-agreement-start-usl-club-its-important-and-ne |url-status=dead}}.{{citation |url=http://www.houstondynamo.com/news/2015/07/rgvfc-awarded-usls-newest-franchise |title=RGVFC awarded the USL's newest franchise |publisher=Houston Dyanamo |date=July 15, 2015 |access-date=July 15, 2015 |archive-date=July 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716074957/http://www.houstondynamo.com/news/2015/07/rgvfc-awarded-usls-newest-franchise |url-status=dead}}. Cincinnati's inaugural season at Nippert Stadium yielded three USL records for single-match attendance – the highest being 24,376 for a September 17 match against Orlando City B.{{cite web|url=http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2016/05/14/mclaughlins-goal-gives-fc-cincy-1-0-lead-half/84382158/|title=Another record crowd turns out to watch FC Cincy win|last=Brennan|first=Patrick|date=May 14, 2016|work=Cincinnati Enquirer|access-date=October 7, 2016}}{{cite web |last1=Corr |first1=Charlie |title=USL-Record 24,376 Aboard as Cincy Tops OCB |url=https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/698911-usl-record-24-376-aboard-as-cincy-tops-ocb |website=United Soccer League |access-date=February 27, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250227010725/https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/698911-usl-record-24-376-aboard-as-cincy-tops-ocb |archive-date=February 27, 2025 |date=September 17, 2016 |url-status=live}} The New York Red Bulls II became the first MLS reserve team to win a USL title following their victory over another reserve team, the Swope Park Rangers, in the Championship game.{{cite web|url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/712570?referrer_id=2333971|title=Allen's Hat Trick Leads Red Bulls II to USL Cup|work=USLSoccer.com|date=October 23, 2016}} At the season's end, the Hammerheads left for the PDL, despite media reports claiming a move to Baltimore was being prepared.{{cite web |last1=Goff |first1=Steven |title=Are USL's Wilmington Hammerheads moving to Baltimore? |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2016/09/13/are-usls-wilmington-hammerheads-moving-to-baltimore/ |website=The Washington Post |access-date=February 27, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915105148/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2016/09/13/are-usls-wilmington-hammerheads-moving-to-baltimore/ |archive-date=September 15, 2016 |date=September 13, 2016 |url-status=live |url-access=registration}}{{cite news|url=https://www.uslleaguetwo.com/news_article/show/703401|title=Wilmington Hammerheads FC Awarded PDL Franchise|publisher=Premier Development League (PDL)|date=September 29, 2016|access-date=September 29, 2016}}

File:CINvLOU 2018-05-26 - national anthem (28502628508).jpg (pictured) won back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018.]]

In its 2017 season, the USL welcomed the Ottawa Fury and Tampa Bay Rowdies – two NASL clubs seeking to arrest financial losses incurred while playing in the league.{{Cite news|url=http://ottawasun.com/2016/10/25/ottawa-fury-fc-confirms-it-will-move-to-new-league/wcm/f78e1746-5ba8-4254-b98d-a538cd2d6326|title=Ottawa Fury FC confirms it will move to new league|last=Baines|first=Tim|date=October 25, 2016|work=Ottawa Sun|access-date=July 4, 2018}}{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/713424?referrer_id=2333971|title=USL Expands with Additions of Tampa Bay Rowdies, Ottawa Fury FC|publisher=United Soccer League (USL)|date=October 25, 2016|access-date=October 25, 2016}} Their exit from the NASL triggered a revocation of the NASL's D2 status, as its membership fell below the twelve required. As an interim solution, U.S. Soccer awarded a provisional D2 status to both the NASL and USL.{{cite web |last1=Straus |first1=Brain |title=U.S. Soccer grants provisional division two sanctioning to both NASL, USL |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2017/01/06/us-soccer-division-two-sanctioning-usl-nasl |website=Sports Illustrated |access-date=March 25, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513093701/https://www.si.com/soccer/2017/01/06/us-soccer-division-two-sanctioning-usl-nasl |archive-date=May 13, 2020 |date=January 6, 2017 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Carlisle |first1=Jeff |title=U.S. Soccer grants NASL and USL provisional Division II status for 2017 |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37509538/us-soccer-grants-nasl-usl-provisional-division-ii-status-2017 |website=ESPN |access-date=March 25, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819000857/https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37509538/us-soccer-grants-nasl-usl-provisional-division-ii-status-2017 |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |date=January 6, 2017 |url-status=live}} Reno 1868 FC also joined,{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=210347424 |title=USL Announces 2017 Expansion Club in Reno |publisher=uslsoccer.com |access-date=September 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920204618/http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=210347424 |archive-date=September 20, 2015 |url-status=dead}} while the Montreal Impact folded their reserve team for an affiliation with the Fury.{{cite web|url=http://www.impactmontreal.com/en/post/2016/12/09/montreal-impact-associates-ottawa-fury-fc-usl|title=The Montreal Impact associates with Ottawa Fury FC in the USL|publisher=Montreal Impact|date=December 9, 2016|access-date=December 9, 2016}} Arizona United SC rebranded as Phoenix Rising FC, following its sale to an ownership group that included Didier Drogba, who subsequently signed for the club.{{cite news|url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/scottsdale/2016/11/28/arizona-united-sc-reveals-new-name-and-logo-plus-stadium-plans-2017-season/94569050/|title=Arizona United SC reveals new name and logo, plus stadium plans for 2017 season|work=Alejandro Barahona|publisher=Arizona Republic|date=November 28, 2016|access-date=November 28, 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/soccer/2017/04/12/didier-drogba-eying-mls-expansion-joins-phoenix-rising-fc/100394242/|title=Didier Drogba, eyeing MLS expansion, joins Phoenix Rising FC|publisher=Arizona Republic|date=April 12, 2017|access-date=April 12, 2017}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39584158|title=Didier Drogba: Ex-Chelsea striker joins Phoenix Rising as player and co-owner|publisher=BBC Sport|date=April 12, 2017|access-date=April 12, 2017}} Louisville City won two consecutive championships, defeating the Rangers in the 2017 USL Cup final,{{cite web |last1=Lerner |first1=Danielle |title=Louisville City FC captures first USL Cup title with last-minute goal |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/soccer/louisville-city-fc/2017/11/13/louisville-city-fc-captures-first-usl-cup-title-last-minute-goal/855978001/ |website=Courier Journal |access-date=March 25, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250325132500/https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/soccer/louisville-city-fc/2017/11/13/louisville-city-fc-captures-first-usl-cup-title-last-minute-goal/855978001/ |archive-date=March 25, 2025 |date=November 13, 2017 |url-status=live}} and the Rising in the 2018 final, which was Drogba's final professional game.{{cite web |last1=Creditor |first1=Avi |title=Drogba, Phoenix Come Up Short as Louisville Wins 2nd Straight USL Title |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/11/09/usl-cup-didier-drogba-phoenix-rising-louisville-city |website=Sports Illustrated |access-date=March 25, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112184539/https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/11/09/usl-cup-didier-drogba-phoenix-rising-louisville-city |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |date=November 8, 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Davis |first1=Matt |title=Didier Drogba loses USL Cup final with Phoenix Rising in what could be his last game |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/46137492 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=March 25, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109172713/ |archive-date=November 9, 2018 |date=November 9, 2018 |url-status=live}} At the end of the 2017 season, the Rhinos entered a hiatus in an attempt to shore up new investors,{{cite news|last1=DiVeronica|first1=Jeff|title=Rhinos to take one-year hiatus, host 'several' USL matches|url=http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/soccer/2017/11/30/d-day-rhinos-announcement-expected-3-30-p-m/909936001/|access-date=December 1, 2017|work=Rochester Democrat and Chronicle|date=November 30, 2017|language=en|archive-date=August 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814232938/https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/soccer/2017/11/30/d-day-rhinos-announcement-expected-3-30-p-m/909936001/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Tsujimoto|first1=Ben|title=Rochester Rhinos to take hiatus from United Soccer League|url=http://buffalonews.com/2017/11/30/rochester-rhinos-choose-to-take-hiatus-from-united-soccer-league/|access-date=December 1, 2017|work=The Buffalo News|date=November 30, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201035807/http://buffalonews.com/2017/11/30/rochester-rhinos-choose-to-take-hiatus-from-united-soccer-league/|url-status=live}} while Orlando City withdrew their reserve team due to a lack of players and staff.{{Cite news|url=https://www.themaneland.com/2018/1/12/16883250/orlando-city-b-opts-out-of-the-2018-usl-season|title=Orlando City B Opts Out of the 2018 USL Season|work=The Mane Land|access-date=2018-11-17}}

File:CINvIND 2018-09-29 - pre-match ceremony (44459648184).jpg (pictured) were one of four NASL clubs to join the USL amid its collapse.]]

Ahead of the 2018 season, U.S. Soccer revoked the NASL's provisional D2 status, and granted full D2 status to the USL.{{cite web |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/90minutes/mls/ct-90mins-us-soccer-grants-usl-2nd-division-status-20180117-story.html |title=US Soccer grants USL 2nd-division status |work=Chicago Tribune |date=January 17, 2018}} The NASL's motion for a preliminary injunction against the decision was denied,{{cite web|last1=Scupp|first1=David|title=North American Soccer League Misses Shot Seeking Preliminary Injunction, But Appeals the Ruling|url=https://antitrusttoday.com/2017/11/16/north-american-soccer-league-misses-shot-seeking-preliminary-injunction-appeals-ruling/|website=Antitrust Today|publisher=Constantine Cannon|access-date=November 26, 2017|date=November 16, 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Kaufman|first1=Michelle|title=Miami FC's future is in jeopardy. A court ruling could save the team.|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mls/article186408428.html|access-date=November 26, 2017|work=The Miami Herald|date=November 24, 2017}}{{cite web|last1=Carlisle|first1=Jeff|title=Court denies NASL's appeal for injunction|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/north-american-soccer-league/story/3395055/court-denies-nasl-appeal-for-injunction-to-reinstate-division-ii-status|publisher=ESPN|access-date=February 23, 2018|date=February 23, 2018}} leading to the league's collapse and its surviving clubs scattering. Two of them, Indy Eleven and North Carolina FC,{{cite web |url=http://fox59.com/2018/01/10/indy-eleven-announces-it-will-join-usl-for-2018-season/ |title=Indy Eleven announces it will join USL for 2018 season |publisher=WXIN |author=Tricia Whitaker |date=January 10, 2018}}{{cite web|last1=Morris|first1=Neil|title=North Carolina FC announces exit from NASL; club to join USL|url=http://www.wralsportsfan.com/north-carolina-fc-announces-exit-from-nasl-club-to-join-usl/17117843/|website=WRAL Sports Fan|date=November 16, 2017 |access-date=November 16, 2017}} joined the USL alongside Fresno FC, Las Vegas Lights FC, and MLS expansion bidders Nashville SC.{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/817487?referrer_id=2364194 |title=Fresno Football Club to Join USL in 2018 |access-date=July 26, 2017}}{{cite news |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2017/aug/11/las-vegas-gets-pro-soccer-fans-to-pick-team-name/|title=Las Vegas gets pro soccer; fans to pick team name|date=August 11, 2017|author=Jesse Granger|work=Las Vegas Sun|access-date=August 14, 2017}}{{cite news |title=Nashville SC: Everything you need to know|first=Mike|last=Organ|url=http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/2017/09/12/frequently-questions-nashville-sc/594543001/|newspaper=The Tennessean|location=Nashville|date=September 12, 2017|access-date=September 13, 2017}} A fifth NASL club that applied to join, San Diego 1904 FC, were denied entry as concerns arose over its ownership, home ground, and lack of local investment.{{cite web|last1=Zeigler|first1=Mark|title=San Diego's 1904 FC soccer team to join USL after NASL cancels season|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/sd-sp-nasl-1904fc-usl-san-diego-soccer-20180227-story.html|website=The San Diego Union-Tribune|access-date=March 1, 2018|date=February 27, 2018|archive-date=March 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301225710/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/sd-sp-nasl-1904fc-usl-san-diego-soccer-20180227-story.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/soccer/sd-sp-soccer-1904-usl-expansion-20180607-story.html |title=USL denies expansion application for San Diego pro soccer team 1904 FC |access-date=June 7, 2018 |archive-date=March 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329025238/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/soccer/sd-sp-soccer-1904-usl-expansion-20180607-story.html |url-status=live }} Atlanta United entered their reserve team, while the Vancouver Whitecaps folded theirs for an affiliation with Fresno.{{cite news|url=http://www.espnfc.us/atlanta-united-fc/story/3271028/atlanta-united-add-local-second-tier-usl-team-to-begin-play-in-2018 |title=Atlanta United add local second-tier USL team to begin play in 2018 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN FC |date=November 14, 2017 |access-date=November 15, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.atlutd.com/post/2018/01/09/atlanta-united-officially-announces-usl-affiliate-atlanta-united-2 |title=Atlanta United officially announces USL Affiliate Atlanta United 2 |publisher=Atlanta United Football Club |date=January 9, 2018 |access-date=January 9, 2018}} The Islanders rebranded as Penn FC.{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/856982?referrer_id=2333971 |title=Penn FC to Make USL Debut in 2018 |access-date= November 15, 2017}} Having won their bid to enter the MLS, Cincinnati's final season in the USL set the league's records for total attendance (437,197), and average attendance (25,717).{{cite web |title=Attendance Records Set Tone for FC Cincinnati's 2019 Entry to MLS |url=https://www.fccincinnati.com/news/attendance-records-set-tone-fc-cincinnati-s-2019-entry-mls |website=Major League Soccer |access-date=March 25, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314012428/https://www.fccincinnati.com/news/attendance-records-set-tone-fc-cincinnati-s-2019-entry-mls |archive-date=March 14, 2023 |date=October 2, 2018 |url-status=live}} Their final home game, a September 29 match against the Eleven, also set the single-match attendance record (31,478).{{cite web |last1=Brennan |first1=Pat |title=FC Cincinnati hoisted its USL championship trophy after defeating Indy XI, 3-0 |url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2018/09/29/fc-cincy-closes-regular-season-home-slate-v-indy-xi/1475331002/ |website=The Cincinnati Enquirer |access-date=March 25, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130234430/https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2018/09/29/fc-cincy-closes-regular-season-home-slate-v-indy-xi/1475331002/ |archive-date=November 30, 2022 |date=September 29, 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=FC Cincinnati breaks another USL attendance record |url=https://www.wcpo.com/sports/fc-cincinnati/fc-cincinnati-breaks-another-usl-attendance-record |website=WCPO 9 News |access-date=March 25, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518175052/https://www.wcpo.com/sports/fc-cincinnati/fc-cincinnati-breaks-another-usl-attendance-record |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |date=October 1, 2018 |url-status=live}}

{{main|2019 USL Championship season}}

Four teams left the USL top flight after the 2018 season. The ownership group of FC Cincinnati was awarded an MLS franchise that started play under the FC Cincinnati name in 2019.{{cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/3512103/fc-cincinnati-to-join-mls-as-expansion-team-next-season |title=FC Cincinnati to join MLS as expansion team next season |publisher=ESPN |date=May 29, 2018 |access-date=May 29, 2018}} Penn FC,{{cite press release|url=https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/956974 |title=Penn FC to Join USL League One in 2020 |publisher=United Soccer Leagues |date=October 8, 2018 |access-date=October 15, 2018}} the Richmond Kickers,{{cite press release |url=https://www.usld3.com/news_article/show/948615 |title=Kickers Named a USL Division III Founding Member |publisher=United Soccer Leagues |date=September 11, 2018 |access-date=September 12, 2018 |archive-date=July 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730181127/https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/948615 |url-status=dead}} and Toronto FC II voluntarily dropped to USL League One, a new third-level league that United Soccer Leagues launched in 2019.{{cite press release|url=https://www.torontofc.ca/news/toronto-fc-ii-joins-usl-division-iii-founding-member |title=Toronto FC II Joins USL Division III as Founding Member |publisher=United Soccer Leagues |date=July 2, 2018 |access-date=July 6, 2018}} The Kickers and Toronto FC II began League One play in 2019; Penn FC suspended professional operations for 2019 and announced that it would resume play in League One in 2020, but it never did.{{cite news |last1=Rueter |first1=Jeff |title=Expansion, an All-Star game and MLS affiliates' evolution among the hot topics at USL winter meetings |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1456135/2019/12/12/miami-fc-expansion-and-mls-affiliates-evolution-among-the-hot-topics-at-usl-winter-meetings/ |access-date=December 12, 2019}} In addition, the announced hiatuses for both the Rhinos and Orlando City B became permanent departures. The Rhinos originally announced they would extend their hiatus through 2019 before resuming play in League One in 2020,{{cite press release |url=https://www.rhinossoccer.com/news_article/show/943874 |title=Rochester Approved for USL Division III |publisher=Rochester Rhinos |date=August 22, 2018 |access-date=August 22, 2018 |archive-date=August 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812034000/https://www.rhinossoccer.com/news_article/show/943874 |url-status=dead}} but ended up not resuming play until 2022, by which time the club had changed its name to Rochester New York FC and joined the new third-level MLS Next Pro.{{cite web |title=Jamie Vardy re-brands US football club Rochester New York FC ahead of professional return |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12396713/jamie-vardy-re-brands-us-football-club-rochester-new-york-fc-ahead-of-professional-return |website=skysports.com |publisher=Sky UK |date=September 1, 2021 |access-date=September 30, 2021}} Orlando City B resumed play in 2019 in League One.{{cite press release |url=https://www.usld3.com/news_article/show/947228 |title=Orlando City B Becomes USL Division III Founding Member |publisher=United Soccer Leagues |date=September 6, 2018 |access-date=September 16, 2018 |archive-date=September 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906195701/https://www.usld3.com/news_article/show/947228 |url-status=dead}}

The league also approved several other expansion locations in Austin,{{cite web|url=https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/821487?referrer_id=3554332|title=USL Announces Return to Austin in 2019|date=August 9, 2017 |publisher=USL|access-date=June 6, 2018}} Birmingham,{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/821462?referrer_id=2349190 |title=USL Officially Awards Franchise to Birmingham |access-date=August 8, 2017}} Memphis,{{cite news |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/856482?referrer_id=2333971|title=Edwards Confirms Memphis Set for USL in 2019|publisher=United Soccer League (USL)|date=November 11, 2017|access-date=November 11, 2017}}{{cite web |title=Memphis Joins the USL for 2019 Season |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/873217?referrer_id=2424366 |website=United Soccer League |access-date=January 9, 2018 |date=January 8, 2018}} Chicago,{{cite web |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/859201-sterling-bay-executives-to-bring-usl-to-chicago |title=Sterling Bay Executives to Bring USL to Chicago |publisher=USL |date=November 21, 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/columnists/ori/ct-biz-lincoln-yards-soccer-stadium-ryan-ori-20171121-story.html |title=United Soccer League expansion team coming to North Side site proposed for Amazon's HQ2 |work=Chicago Tribune |date=November 21, 2017}} Oakland East Bay, Hartford,{{cite web|url=https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/914592?referrer_id=2349190|title=Hartford Launches Name the Team Contest|date=May 4, 2018 |publisher=USL|access-date=May 4, 2018}} Albuquerque,{{cite web|url=https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/924766|title=United Soccer League Announces New Mexico Club|publisher=USL|access-date=June 6, 2018}} El Paso,{{cite web |url=http://www.elpasotimes.com/story/sports/2018/02/28/professional-international-usl-coming-el-paso/379844002/ |title=Professional, international United Soccer League coming to El Paso |date=February 28, 2018}} Loudoun County, Virginia,{{cite web|url=https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/935229|title=Loudoun United FC Joins the USL for 2019|date=July 18, 2018 |publisher=United Soccer League (USL)|access-date=July 18, 2018}} and San Diego.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/06/19/usl-san-diego-landon-donovan-warren-smith|title=Landon Donovan, Warren Smith bring USL to San Diego|last=Straus |first=Brian |date=June 19, 2019|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=June 19, 2019}} All of these teams began play in 2019 except for San Diego, which began play in the 2020 season; Chicago and East Bay were both announced to launch by 2021, but were indefinitely put on hold when they had issues in securing stadium plans.{{Cite web |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/01/08/chicago-lincoln-yards-usl-soccer-stadium-plans-rejected |title=Proposed Plans for USL Soccer Stadium in Downtown Chicago Fall Through |last=Caron |first=Emily |date=January 8, 2019 |access-date=November 12, 2019}}

{{main|2020 USL Championship season|2021 USL Championship season}}

Following the end of the 2019 season, three teams left the USL Championship. Nashville SC was awarded a Major League Soccer franchise,{{cite web |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/12/20/nashville-awarded-mls-expansion-club |title=Nashville awarded MLS expansion club |last=Rosano |first=Nick |date=December 20, 2017 |access-date=November 12, 2019}} Fresno FC announced that they would not be returning to Fresno,{{cite web |url=https://abc30.com/sports/fresno-fc-announces-its-done-in-fresno/5656659/ |title=Fresno FC announces it's done in Fresno, ceasing operations |last1=Hicks |first1=Stephen |last2=Oliveira |first2=Jason |publisher=KFSN-TV |location=Fresno, California |date=October 29, 2019 |access-date=November 12, 2019}} and Ottawa Fury FC announced that they would be suspending operations after not receiving sanctioning to remain in USL by CONCACAF and U.S. Soccer.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/fury-suspends-operation-failed-sanctions-1.5352935|title=Fury owners blame 'politics' for decision to suspend operations|last=Major|first=Darren|date=November 8, 2019|work=CBC News|access-date=November 8, 2019}} An expansion team was announced for the New York City borough of Queens to be named Queensboro FC.{{cite web |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1064167 |title=Queensboro FC To Join USL Championship In 2021 |date=November 12, 2019 |access-date=November 12, 2019}} On December 11, the Ottawa Fury announced the sale of its franchise rights to the ownership group of Miami FC, with Miami set to participate in the 2020 USL Championship season. This marked the entrance of another former NASL team into the league, with Miami having previously spent time in NPSL and the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) after the NASL folded.

Saint Louis FC folded at the end of the 2020 season. At the time, the city was set to receive an MLS franchise, with St. Louis City SC ultimately starting play in 2023. A spokesperson for SLFC told Sports Illustrated in August 2020, "The ownership decided that with the financial impact of COVID-19 and MLS on the horizon, it didn't make sense to continue operations."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/08/25/saint-louis-fc-fold-usl-mls-expansion-st-louis-city |title=USL's Saint Louis FC to Fold With St. Louis MLS Expansion Club on the Way |first=Brian |last=Straus |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=August 25, 2020 |access-date=August 31, 2020}} Also at the end of the 2020 season, two MLS clubs, the Philadelphia Union and Portland Timbers, withdrew their reserve sides, Philadelphia Union II and Portland Timbers 2, from the United Soccer League system.{{cite press release|url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1128172 |title=Three MLS Teams Withdraw from USL Competition |publisher=United Soccer League |date=October 16, 2020 |access-date=November 4, 2020 }}

The proposed East Bay club's bid had faltered due to stadium issues and its USL franchise rights were purchased by Oakland Roots SC, which had previously played in NISA, who started play in the USLC in the 2021 season.{{cite web |title=Oakland Roots and their former MLS players bound for USL Championship in 2021 |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/09/15/oakland-roots-and-their-former-mls-players-bound-usl-championship-2021 |website=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=September 16, 2020 |date=September 15, 2020}}{{cite magazine |last1=Straus |first1=Brian |title=Oakland Roots to Make Leap From NISA to USL Championship |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/09/15/oakland-roots-usl-championship-nisa |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=September 29, 2020}}

On November 6, 2020, Reno 1868 FC announced it was ceasing operations as a result of the financial and operational impacts of COVID-19.{{Cite web|last=Bass|first=Kevin|date=November 6, 2020|title=Reno 1868 FC to Cease Operations|url=https://www.reno1868fc.com/news_article/show/1131582-reno-1868-fc-to-cease-operations|access-date=November 6, 2020|website=Reno 1868 FC|archive-date=November 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106184855/https://www.reno1868fc.com/news_article/show/1131582-reno-1868-fc-to-cease-operations|url-status=dead}} On January 10, 2021, North Carolina FC club chairman Stephen Malik announced that the club would make a "strategic move" to USL League One.{{Cite web|last=Communications|first=North Carolina FC|date=January 10, 2021|title=North Carolina FC Makes Strategic Move to USL League One|url=https://www.northcarolinafc.com/news_article/show/1140102-north-carolina-fc-makes-strategic-move-to-usl-league-one-|access-date=January 10, 2021|website=North Carolina FC|archive-date=January 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113052733/https://www.northcarolinafc.com/news_article/show/1140102-north-carolina-fc-makes-strategic-move-to-usl-league-one-|url-status=dead}}

On February 1, 2021, Monterey Bay FC, which is a continuation of USLC's Fresno FC, joined the USL Championship since Beshoff, the owner of Fresno, was able to retain franchise rights after Fresno ceased operations due to lack of securing construction of a soccer-specific stadium, and landed the franchise in Monterey Bay at Cardinale Stadium on the campus of California State University, Monterey Bay in Seaside, California. On November 13, 2021, it was announced that Detroit City would join the USL Championship for the 2022 USL Championship season, becoming the third NISA team to join the league after Miami FC and Oakland Roots SC.[https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1193403 Detroit City to join USL Championship for 2022 season] |USL Championship

On December 2, 2021, Charlotte Independence decided to drop down to the third tier USL League One for 2022, with the goal of better serving its youth players, as well as the fact that a new expansion franchise in the city Charlotte FC was joining Major League Soccer that season, with whom several Independence players had signed for.{{cite web|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/article256298332.html|title=As Charlotte prepares for MLS, Independence moves to lower USL division|first=Alex|last=Andrejev|date=December 2, 2021|work=The Charlotte Observer}}{{cite web|url=https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/1196847|title=Charlotte Independence to Compete in USL League One Starting in 2022|date=December 2, 2022|work=USL League One}}

On December 3, 2021, Oklahoma City Energy FC announced that it would temporarily suspend soccer operations and would not compete in the 2022 USL Championship season.{{cite web |last1=FC |first1=Energy |title=CLUB STATEMENT FROM ENERGY FC |url=https://www.energyfc.com/news_article/show/1248298 |website=www.energyfc.com |date=November 18, 2022 |access-date=November 18, 2022}} The decision came after Energy FC's home field at Taft Stadium, which is owned and operated by the Oklahoma City Public Schools, would undergo major renovations that directly overlap with the 2022 USL Championship season and will resume play for the 2023 USL Championship season in its temporary home at Taft Stadium.{{cite web |url=https://www.energyfc.com/news_article/show/1196933 |title=Energy FC To Suspend Play In 2022, Resume In 2023 |publisher=OKC Energy FC |date=December 3, 2021 |access-date=December 3, 2021 |archive-date=January 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127141250/https://www.energyfc.com/news_article/show/1196933 |url-status=dead }} This came after OKC Energy FC reached an historic agreement only roughly a month earlier renewing their lease with the school district for Taft Stadium.{{cite web |last1=Walton |first1=Billy |title=ENERGY FC RENEW LEASE WITH OKCPS FOR TAFT STADIUM |url=https://www.energyfc.com/news_article/show/1240289 |website=www.energyfc.com |date=September 21, 2022 |access-date=September 21, 2022}} After OKC announced that they would impose another hiatus for the 2023 USL Championship season, they have since come out with a new majority ownership group, Echo Investment Capital that would build a stadium in Bricktown with part of the money reserved from the city's MAPS 4 penny tax initiative, with plans to return for the 2027 USL Championship season.{{cite web |title=Echo buys majority stake in USL OKC Energy FC |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/07/18/oklahoma-city-energy-fc-ownership-sale |website=sportsbusinessjournal.com |access-date=November 15, 2024 |language=English |date=July 18, 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Mussatto |first1=Joe |title=Former USL executive Court Jeske to lead OKC Energy FC soccer operations |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/mls/energy-fc/2024/08/08/court-jeske-okc-energy-fc-usl/74715103007/ |website=The Oklahoman |access-date=November 15, 2024 |language=English |date=August 8, 2024}}

{{main|2022 USL Championship season}}

On December 6, 2021, Major League Soccer announced MLS Next Pro, a Division III league that would begin play in 2022. The MLS–USL partnership that started in 2014 came to an end: all MLS clubs with reserve teams in USL Championship or USL League One would be moving their affiliated teams to MLS Next Pro by 2023, with the exception of Loudoun United FC (although under different ownership).{{cite news |last1=Bonagura |first1=Kyle |title=Major League Soccer to launch development league in 2022 |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/4415507/major-league-soccer-to-launch-development-league-in-2022 |access-date=June 21, 2021 |work=ESPN |date=June 21, 2021}} On December 10, 2021, the USL Championship approved a new ownership group for USL Championship club Austin Bold FC. The new ownership group consists of Donnie Nelson, Neil Leibman, and Bobby Epstein. The team has not participated since the 2021 USL Championship season as it actively seeks relocation to another city in Texas.{{Cite news|url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1198224-texas-based-ownership-group-purchases-austin-bold-fc|title=Texas-Based Ownership Group Purchases Austin Bold FC|website=USLChampionship.com|access-date=December 12, 2021}}

On January 27, 2022, the USL officially awarded USL Pro Iowa an expansion team to be based in Des Moines, Iowa, that would join the league in the 2024 season. The team's majority owner is Kyle Krause, who has been the majority owner of USL League Two side Des Moines Menace since 1998.{{Cite web |author=USLChampionship com Staff |date=January 27, 2022 |title=United Soccer League Welcomes Pro Iowa to USL Championship |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1205747-united-soccer-league-welcomes-pro-iowa-to-usl-championship |access-date=October 21, 2022 |website=USL Championship |language=en-us}} On July 14, 2022, the USL announced a group that intended to bring USL Championship and Super League teams to New Orleans, Louisiana, with a goal for the Championship side to kick off by 2025.{{Cite web |author=USLChampionship com Staff |date=July 14, 2022 |title=Local group aims to bring USL club to New Orleans |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1232585-local-group-aims-to-bring-usl-club-to-new-orleans |access-date=October 21, 2022 |website=USL Championship |language=en-us}}

On August 12, 2022, ground was broken in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on Centreville Bank Stadium that will be the permanent home of Rhode Island FC.{{Cite web |author=USLChampionship com Staff |date=August 12, 2022 |title=Stadium groundbreaking moves Rhode Island toward 2024 debut in USL Championship |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1235568-stadium-groundbreaking-moves-rhode-island-toward-2024-debut-in-usl-championship- |access-date=October 21, 2022 |website=USL Championship |language=en-us}} The team began play in the 2024 season in Smithfield, Rhode Island, as the construction is completed in Pawtucket.{{cite web |title=Rhode Island FC Announces Partnership with Bryant University for 2024 Season |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1276174 |website=USLChampionship.com |date=June 9, 2023 |publisher=USL Championship |access-date=June 9, 2023}} On August 30, 2022, the USL announced that a group of investors had formed to bring USL Championship and USL Super League expansion teams to Jacksonville, Florida, with the goal for the Championship side to kick off in 2025.{{Cite web |author=USLChampionship com Staff |date=August 30, 2022 |title=United Soccer League announces expansion plans for Jacksonville |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1237490-united-soccer-league-announces-expansion-plans-for-jacksonville |access-date=October 21, 2022 |website=USL Championship |language=en-us}} On October 19, 2022, the USL awarded an expansion team to USL Milwaukee, set to begin play in 2025 with plans to build an 8,000-seat stadium in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.{{Cite web |author=USLChampionship com Staff |date=October 19, 2022 |title=USL Championship Awards Franchise to Milwaukee |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1244108-usl-championship-awards-franchise-to-milwaukee |access-date=October 21, 2022 |website=USL Championship |language=en-us}}

{{main|2023 USL Championship season|2024 USL Championship season}}

On July 12, 2023, the USL awarded an expansion team to a team that would later be called Ozark United FC{{cite web |author1=Ozark United FC |title=USL Arkansas Unveils Ozark United FC as Official Brand, Bringing Unity and Community to Northwest Arkansas Soccer |url=https://www.ozarkunited.com/news/2024/10/03/usl-arkansas-unveils-ozark-united-fc-as-official-brand-bringing-unity-and-community-to-northwest-arkansas-soccer/ |website=ozarkunited.com |access-date=December 10, 2024 |date=October 3, 2024}} with the intent to bring USL Championship and Super League teams to Rogers, Arkansas, with a goal for the Championship and Super League sides to kick off by 2026 and play in a new 5,000-seat stadium.{{cite news |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1279021 |title=Professional Soccer Landing in Northwest Arkansas |accessdate=July 12, 2023}}

On August 7, 2023, North Carolina FC majority owner Steve Malik announced that the club would come back from USL League One to the USL Championship starting from the 2024 season.{{cite web |url=https://www.northcarolinafc.com/news/2023/08/07/north-carolina-fc-to-rejoin-usl-championship-in-2024/|title=North Carolina FC to rejoin USL Championship in 2024 |date=August 7, 2023 |publisher=USL Championship |access-date=August 7, 2023}}

On August 24, 2023, San Diego Loyal ownership announced that the team would shut down at the end of the season due to an inability to find a "viable near- and long-term stadium solution".{{cite news |last=Ziegler |first=Mark |date=August 24, 2023 |title=San Diego Loyal to shut down; owner asks fans to 'celebrate and not mourn' pro soccer team over final games |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/soccer/san-diego-loyal-sc/story/2023-08-24/pro-soccer-club-san-diego-loyal-fold-usl-championship-landon-donovan-andrew-vassiliadis-torero-stadium |work=The San Diego Union-Tribune |accessdate=August 29, 2023}} and the USL announced that it would transfer the franchise rights of the Loyal.{{cite press release |date=August 24, 2023 |title=USL to Transfer San Diego Franchise Rights |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1282275 |publisher=USL Championship |accessdate=August 29, 2023}} The announcement came three months after Major League Soccer announced a San Diego expansion team that would begin play in 2025 as San Diego FC. The club's final game was a 4–3 extra-time playoff quarterfinal loss to Phoenix Rising, the eventual playoff champions.{{cite news |last=Zeigler |first=Mark |date=October 22, 2023 |title=Overtime goal sinks Loyal's season in playoffs, ends club's run in San Diego |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/soccer/san-diego-loyal-sc/story/2023-10-22/loyal-playoff-story |work=The San Diego Union-Tribune |accessdate=October 22, 2023}}

On November 29, 2023, it was announced that Milwaukee's expansion would be deferred to the 2026 season.{{cite web |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1292721 |title=Milwaukee Pro Soccer announces deferral of launch season to 2026 |date=November 29, 2023 |publisher=USL Championship |access-date=November 29, 2023}} On December 14, 2023, the USL awarded an expansion team to USL Palm Beach with the intent to bring USL Championship and Super League teams to Palm Beach County, Florida, with a goal for the Super League side to kick off by 2025.{{cite news |url=https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/1294310 |title=International Polo Star Nacho Figueras to Bring Professional Men's and Women's Soccer to the Palm Beaches |accessdate=December 14, 2023}}

On December 18, 2023, Rio Grande Valley FC Toros announced they were ceasing all soccer and business operations, officially ending their eight-year business partnership with USL.

On March 7, 2024, it was announced that Brooklyn FC, originally vying for a spot in League One, would instead move their efforts to try to get a team in the Championship by 2025, along with getting their women's side to play in the inaugural USL Super League season in 2024, both playing at Maimonides Park, the home also to baseball's Brooklyn Cyclones.{{cite web |title=Brooklyn FC Moves to USL Championship Ahead of Men's 2025 Inaugural Season |url=https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/1303990 |website=uslsoccer.com |date=March 14, 2024 |access-date=March 14, 2024}} This effort would be later pushed back to 2026.{{cite web |author1=BKFC Staff |title=Brooklyn Football Club Men’s Team Launch Moves to 2026 |url=https://www.brooklynfootballclub.com/news/2024/12/06/brooklyn-football-club-mens-team-launch-moves-to-2026/ |website=brooklynfootballclub.com |access-date=December 8, 2024 |date=December 6, 2024}}

In August 2024, the USL announced that Lexington SC would move from League One to the Championship in the 2025 season.{{Cite web |date=August 13, 2024 |title=Lexington Sporting Club to join USL Championship for 2025 season |url=https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/1315914 |access-date=August 20, 2024 |website=USL Championship |language=en-us}}

On November 13, 2024, the USL announced that Memphis 901 FC would cease operations, with their franchise rights being moved to Santa Barbara Sky FC. The Sky, initially planning to play in League One in 2025, will now begin play in the Championship starting with the 2026 season.{{cite news |title=Memphis 901 FC moving to California, club confirms |url=https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/memphis-901-fc-moving-to-california-club-confirms/article_5bce8c1a-a1b5-11ef-9ecf-5bf9f639b327.html |access-date=November 13, 2024 |work=FOX13 Memphis |date=November 13, 2024 |language=en}} Memphis's last game was their quarterfinal playoff loss to Orange County.

{{USL Championship club map}}

{{Clear}}

The following teams are playing in the 2025 season.{{cite web |title=Clubs |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/league-teams |website=uslchampionship.com |access-date=November 16, 2024}}

Notes

{{notelist-lr}}

{{notelist-lr|group=former}}

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1. > JOINED IN 2011 <#

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bar:DDL $other from:01/01/2010 till:12/31/2010 text:PDL

bar:DDL color:Former from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2014 text:Dayton Dutch Lions

bar:DDL $other from:01/01/2015 till:12/31/2018 text:PDL

bar:DDL $other from:01/01/2019 till:end text:USL2

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bar:HCI color:Former from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2017 text:Harrisburg City Islanders

bar:HCI color:Former from:01/01/2018 till:12/31/2018 text:Penn FC

bar:OCO color:Full from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2013 text:Los Angeles Blues

bar:OCO color:Full from:01/01/2014 till:12/31/2016 text:Orange County Blues

bar:OCO color:Full from:01/01/2017 till:end text:Orange County SC

bar:ORL color:Former from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2014 text:Orlando City SC

bar:ORL $other from:01/01/2015 till:end text:MLS

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bar:RIC color:Former from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2018 text:Richmond Kickers

bar:RIC $other from:01/01/2019 till:end text:USL1

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1. > JOINED IN 2013 <#

bar:PHX color:Former from:01/01/2013 till:12/31/2013 text:Phoenix FC

bar:TAM color:Former from:01/01/2013 till:12/31/2013 text:VSI Tampa Bay FC

1. > JOINED IN 2014 <#

bar:AZU color:Full from:01/01/2014 till:12/31/2016 text:Arizona United SC

bar:AZU color:Full from:01/01/2017 till:end text:Phoenix Rising FC

bar:LAG color:Former from:01/01/2014 till:01/01/2023 text:LA Galaxy II

bar:LAG $other from:01/01/2023 till:end text:MLS Next Pro

bar:OKC color:Former from:01/01/2014 till:01/01/2022 text:Oklahoma City Energy FC

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bar:SAC color:Full from:01/01/2014 till:end text:Sacramento Republic FC

1. > JOINED IN 2015 <#

bar:AUS $other from:01/01/2012 till:12/31/2014 text:PDL

bar:AUS color:Former from:01/01/2015 till:12/31/2015 text:Austin Aztex

bar:CLT color:Former from:01/01/2015 till:12/31/2021 text:Charlotte Independence

bar:CLT $other from:01/01/2022 till:end text:USL1

bar:CSS color:Full from:01/01/2015 till:end text:Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

bar:MON color:Former from:01/01/2015 till:12/31/2016 text:FC Montreal

bar:LOU color:Full from:01/01/2015 till:end text:Louisville City FC

bar:NYR color:Former from:01/01/2015 till:01/01/2023 text:New York Red Bulls II

bar:NYR $other from:01/01/2023 till:end text:MLS Next Pro

bar:POR color:Former from:01/01/2015 till:12/31/2020 text:Portland Timbers 2

bar:POR $other from:01/01/2022 till:end text:MLS Next Pro

bar:RMO color:Former from:01/01/2015 till:01/01/2022 text:Real Monarchs

bar:RMO $other from:01/01/2022 till:end text:MLS Next Pro

bar:STL color:Former from:01/01/2015 till:12/31/2020 text:Saint Louis FC

bar:TAC color:Former from:01/01/2015 till:12/31/2018 text:Seattle Sounders FC 2

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bar:TUL color:Full from:01/01/2015 till:end text:Tulsa Roughnecks FC

bar:TUL color:Full from:01/01/2020 till:end text:FC Tulsa

bar:VAN color:Former from:01/01/2015 till:12/31/2017 text:Whitecaps FC 2

bar:VAN $other from:01/01/2022 till:end text:MLS Next Pro

1. > JOINED IN 2016 <#

bar:PHI color:Former from:01/01/2016 till:12/31/2019 text:Bethlehem Steel FC

bar:PHI color:Former from:01/01/2020 till:12/31/2020 text:Philadelphia Union II

bar:PHI $other from:01/01/2022 till:end text:MLS Next Pro

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bar:OCB $other from:01/01/2019 till:12/31/2020 text:USL1

bar:OCB $other from:01/01/2022 till:end text:MLS Next Pro

bar:RGV color:Former from:01/01/2016 till:12/31/2023 text:Rio Grande Valley FC

bar:SAN color:Full from:01/01/2016 till:end text:San Antonio FC

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bar:SPR color:Former from:01/01/2020 till:01/01/2022 text:Sporting Kansas City II

bar:SPR $other from:01/01/2022 till:end text:MLS Next Pro

1. > JOINED IN 2017 <#

bar:OTT $other from:01/01/2014 till:12/31/2016 text:NASL

bar:OTT color:Former from:01/01/2017 till:12/31/2019 text:Ottawa Fury FC

bar:REN color:Former from:01/01/2017 till:12/31/2020 text:Reno 1868 FC

bar:TBR $other from:01/01/2010 till:12/31/2010 text:USSF D2

bar:TBR $other from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2016 text:NASL

bar:TBR color:Full from:01/01/2017 till:end text:Tampa Bay Rowdies

1. > JOINED IN 2018 <#

bar:ATL color:Former from:01/01/2018 till:01/01/2023 text:Atlanta United 2

bar:ATL $other from:01/01/2023 till:end text:MLS Next Pro

bar:MTR color:Former from:01/01/2018 till:12/31/2019 text:Fresno FC

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bar:IND $other from:01/01/2014 till:12/31/2017 text:NASL

bar:IND color:Full from:01/01/2018 till:end text:Indy Eleven

bar:LVL color:Full from:01/01/2018 till:end text:Las Vegas Lights FC

bar:NSH color:Former from:01/01/2018 till:12/31/2019 text:Nashville SC

bar:NSH $other from:01/01/2020 till:end text:MLS

bar:NCA $other from:01/01/2010 till:12/31/2010 text:USSF D2

bar:NCA $other from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2017 text:NASL

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bar:NCA $other from:01/01/2021 till:12/31/2023 text:USL1

bar:NCA color:Full from:01/01/2024 till:end text:

1. > JOINED IN 2019 <#

bar:BLD color:Former from:01/01/2019 till:12/31/2021 text:Austin Bold FC

bar:BHM color:Full from:01/01/2019 till:end text:Birmingham Legion FC

bar:ELP color:Full from:01/01/2019 till:end text:El Paso Locomotive FC

bar:HAR color:Full from:01/01/2019 till:end text:Hartford Athletic

bar:LDN color:Full from:01/01/2019 till:end text:Loudoun United FC

bar:MEM color:Former from:01/01/2019 till:12/31/2024 text:Memphis 901 FC

bar:NMU color:Full from:01/01/2019 till:end text:New Mexico United

1. > JOINED IN 2020 <#

bar:MIA $other from:01/01/2016 till:12/31/2017 text:NASL

bar:MIA $other from:01/01/2018 till:06/30/2019 text:NPSL

bar:MIA $other from:07/01/2019 till:12/31/2019 text:NISA

bar:MIA color:Full from:01/01/2020 till:end text:Miami FC

bar:SDL color:Former from:01/01/2020 till:12/31/2023 text:San Diego Loyal SC

1. > JOINED IN 2021 <#

bar:OAK $other from:07/01/2019 till:12/31/2020 text:NISA

bar:OAK color:Full from:01/01/2021 till:end text:Oakland Roots SC

1. > JOINED IN 2022 <#

bar:DET $other from:01/01/2012 till:12/31/2019 text:NPSL

bar:DET $other from:01/01/2020 till:12/31/2021 text:NISA

bar:DET color:Full from:01/01/2022 till:end text:Detroit City FC

1. > JOINED IN 2024 <#

bar:RHD color:Full from:01/01/2024 till:end text:Rhode Island FC

1. > JOINED IN 2025 <#

bar:LEX $other from:01/01/2023 till:12/31/2024 text:USL1

bar:LEX color:Full from:01/01/2025 till:end text:Lexington SC

1. > FUTURE <#

bar:BKN color:Future from:01/01/2026 till:end text:Brooklyn FC

bar:BUF color:Future from:01/01/2026 till:end text:Buffalo

bar:IOW color:Future from:01/01/2026 till:end text:Iowa

bar:MIL color:Future from:01/01/2026 till:end text:Milwaukee

bar:ARK color:Future from:01/01/2026 till:end text:Ozark United FC

bar:SB color:Future from:01/01/2026 till:end text:Santa Barbara Sky FC

bar:JAX color:Future from:01/01/2026 till:end text:Sporting Club Jacksonville

bar:DAL color:Future from:01/01/2027 till:end text:Garland

‡ Puerto Rico clubs Puerto Rico United, River Plate Puerto Rico, and Sevilla Puerto Rico began play in the league, but in May 2011 United Soccer Leagues announced that the teams would not finish the season due to financial difficulties.{{cite web|title=USL reforms Agreement with PRSL|url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/524777.html|publisher=United Soccer Leagues|access-date=May 10, 2011|date=May 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514205255/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/524777.html|archive-date=May 14, 2011|url-status=dead}}

For the 2024 season, teams play a home-and-away schedule within their conference and an additional twelve games (six home and six away) against teams in the opposing conference for a 34-game schedule. At the conclusion of the regular season, the top eight teams in each conference will qualify for the playoffs. The USL Championship playoffs is a single-elimination tournament with a fixed bracket format, culminating in the USL Championship Final.{{cite press release|url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1252301 |title=USL Championship announces 2023 Alignment, Season Format |publisher=United Soccer League |date=December 20, 2022 |access-date=June 9, 2023}}

Fox Sports purchased the league's broadcasting rights for the 2011 and 2012 seasons, and aired matches on its Fox Soccer channel, while the league livestreamed matches on its USL Live website.{{cite news |url=http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/589973.html |title=USL PRO 2012 Schedule Released |publisher=uslsoccer.com |date=January 11, 2012 |access-date=January 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115214800/http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/589973.html |archive-date=January 15, 2012 |url-status=dead }} The USL has been partnered with ESPN since the 2016 season. The first iteration of the deal brought 20 matches to ESPN3 and the championship match to one of its linear networks, while all remaining matches were broadcast directly by the league on its YouTube channel.{{cite web |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/640008?referrer_id=2333971 |title=USL Announces Partnership with ESPN |publisher=USL |date=April 22, 2016 |access-date=April 24, 2016}}

Beginning with the launch of ESPN+ on April 12, 2018, all USL matches moved to the over-the-top service, with 18 games of the week and the championship continuing to air on one of ESPN's linear channels.{{cite web|url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/904986|title=USL, ESPN Expand Broadcast Agreement Through 2019|author=USLSoccer.com Staff|date=April 6, 2018|access-date=April 17, 2018}} The 2019 final will also air on ESPN Deportes. The deal with ESPN expired after the 2019 season, but was subsequently renewed for three additional seasons. Although the ESPN+ match streams are not blacked out in-market, individual clubs are also allowed to syndicate the USL-produced broadcast to local television stations.{{cite news |last1=Rimpson |first1=Robert |title=USL announces a new broadcast deal with ESPN |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/2019/08/27/united-soccer-league-announce-new-broadcast-deal-with-espn/2128952001/ |work=The Courier-Journal |language=en}}

The English-language commentary team for the USL Championship on ESPN has included Mike Watts and Devon Kerr since 2018. Watts and Kerr also host a weekly program, USL All-Access, on Sirius XM FC. Broadcasts on ESPN Deportes have been led by Jesús Eduardo Acosta and José Armando Rodriguez.{{cite web |title=USL Announces Broadcast Teams for USL Championship Final on ESPN |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1194947 |website=USL Championship |date=November 19, 2021 |publisher=USLChampionship.com |access-date=February 10, 2022}}

In August 2020, the USL announced their first international broadcast partner with Caribbean broadcaster Flow Sports.{{Cite web|url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1118242-united-soccer-league-nets-agreement-with-first-international-based-broadcast-partner-flow-sports-secured-by-sportfive|title=United Soccer League Nets Agreement with First International-Based Broadcast Partner Flow Sports Secured by SPORTFIVE|author=USLSoccer com Staff|date=August 18, 2020|website=USL Championship}}

In August 2021, the USL announced a new broadcast agreement with OneFootball in Italy.{{Cite web|url=https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/1176960|title=USL Announces New Broadcast Agreement with OneFootball|author=USLSoccer com Staff|date=August 7, 2021|website=USL Championship}}

The USL announced that four-year media deal with CBS Sports beginning with the 2024 season through 2027.{{cite news |last1=Vertelney |first1=Seth |title=USL and CBS Sports sign four-year media rights agreement |url=https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/2023/11/07/usl-and-cbs-sports-media-rights-agreement/ |work=Pro Soccer Wire |publisher=USA Today |date=November 7, 2023}} On February 27, 2024, the USL also announced multi-year deal with ESPN as a second broadcast partner through 2026.{{cite web |last=Lucia |first=Joe |date=February 27, 2024 |title=USL strikes media rights deal with ESPN |url=https://awfulannouncing.com/soccer/usl-espn-cbs-media-rights-2024.html |access-date=November 10, 2023 |website=Awful Announcing |language=en-US}}

Teams that no longer participate in the USL Championship are in italics.

{{notelist}}

Updated to the end of the 2024 USL playoffs; sorted by major honors (championships).

{{notelist}}

{{updated|January 27, 2024|{{cite web |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/records |title=Record Book |website=uslchampionship.com |access-date=July 23, 2021}}}}

{{Col-begin}}{{Col-break}}

{{Col-break}}

| 199

|-

| 10

| {{flagicon|}} Kareem Dacres

| 197

|}

{{Col-break}}

| 33

|-

| rowspan=2| 7

| {{flagicon|}} Christiano Francis

| 32

|-

| {{flagicon|}} Bryan Ownby

| 32

|-

| 8

| {{flagicon|}} Enzo Martinez

| 30

|}

{{Col-end}}

FC Cincinnati played before a record crowd of 20,497 at Nippert Stadium on April 16, 2016, in a rivalry match against neighboring Louisville City FC.{{Cite web|url=http://www.wcpo.com/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati-crowd-sets-league-attendance-record|title=FC Cincinnati crowd sets league attendance record|last=Leggate |first=James |publisher=WCPO |access-date=April 17, 2016|date=April 17, 2016}} This broke the USL Pro's previous record for attendance at a regular-season match of 20,231 set by Sacramento Republic in its home debut on April 26, 2014, at Hughes Stadium.[http://www.sacbee.com/2014/04/26/6357273/republic-fc-loses-home-opener.html "Republic FC loses home opener before sellout crowd at Hughes Stadium"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427210131/http://www.sacbee.com/2014/04/26/6357273/republic-fc-loses-home-opener.html |date=April 27, 2014}}, Sacramento Bee, April 27, 2014. Cincinnati broke the record again on May 14, 2016, with a new all-time high of 23,375.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/soccer/fc-cincinnati/2016/05/14/mclaughlins-goal-gives-fc-cincy-1-0-lead-half/84382158|title=Another record crowd turns out to watch FC Cincy win|last=Brennan|first=Patrick|website=Cincinnati.com|access-date=May 14, 2016}} Cincinnati broke the single game attendance record again on October 2, 2016, in their first ever playoff match against the Charleston Battery, losing 2–1 in the quarterfinals of the 2016 USL playoffs. The attendance of 30,187 also set the USL playoff record.{{cite web|url=http://www.fccincinnati.com/news_article/show/704514|title=Post-Season Ends in Loss To Battery, FCC Sets USL Playoff Record|last=Kimura|first=Fumi|date=October 2, 2016|access-date=October 7, 2016|archive-date=August 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806062133/http://www.fccincinnati.com/news_article/show/704514|url-status=dead}}

Cincinnati broke the regular season record again on August 5, 2017, at Nippert Stadium, drawing 25,308 against Orlando City B. They broke their own record again about six weeks later drawing 30,417 to a 4–2 win over the New York Red Bulls II.{{cite web|url=https://www.fccincinnati.com/news_article/show/834326?referrer_id=2584136|title=FCC Tames Red Bulls II|last=staff|first=FCC|date=September 16, 2017|access-date=May 27, 2018|archive-date=May 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528133648/https://www.fccincinnati.com/news_article/show/834326?referrer_id=2584136|url-status=dead}} Cincinnati broke the record once more in their final home regular season game as a USL team on September 29, 2018, drawing 31,478 versus Indy Eleven.{{cite web|url=https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/954409|title=Gameday Report: September 29, Week 29|first=Nicholas|last=Murray|date=September 29, 2018|access-date=October 1, 2018}}

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