USL Owners See Pro-Rel as Catalyst for a New Era in American Soccer

The USL’s landmark decision to adopt promotion and relegation by 2028 has been met with overwhelming support from club owners and executives across the league. After years of speculation and internal debate, the system—long viewed as the missing link between U.S. soccer and its global counterpart—is finally becoming a reality. As reported by Goal, the move has generated excitement and a sense of legitimacy among club leaders.

Charleston Battery’s Rob Salvatore noted how fans had pushed for the change for years, while Orange County SC president Dan Rutstein called the moment “day one of soccer in America reaching maturity.” Matt Valentine, who’s leading a new USL club in Dallas, went further, saying the lack of pro-rel had been “anti-soccer” and that its introduction was long overdue.

The initiative is seen not just as a sporting upgrade but also a marketing tool, adding stakes to late-season games and drawing in fans who crave the drama of relegation battles and Cinderella promotions. Las Vegas Lights owner Jose Bautista believes it will push clubs to invest smarter and scout better, while Phoenix Rising’s Bobby Dulle expects a rise in sponsorship interest.

Despite excitement, there are still questions. No USL club currently meets all Division One standards, and the exact competitive structure—playoffs or not—remains unclear. But the ambition is unmistakable. As Dulle put it, “We’re all dreamers. And we all want this to keep growing.”