MLS NEXT announces new competition tier, slated for September 2025 kickoff

MLS NEXT announced a new competition tier that is set to begin in fall 2025. Clubs who are accepted will participate in one of eight possible regional tournaments each season, in addition to age-eligible groups attending MLS NEXT Fest in December. The regional events will thereby serve as qualifying tournaments for a "championship event" at MLS NEXT Cup in 2026.

Players competing in this new tier will also be eligible to play high school soccer.

Operators of the competition include: National Academy League (NAL) operated by 3Step Soccer, Elite Academy League (EAL), Sporting Development League (SDL), Cobalt Sports, and Cal North Soccer Association.

“MLS NEXT is elevating soccer across North America for players, coaches, and referees,” said MLS NEXT general manager Kyle Albrecht. “This expansion, alongside our strategic alliance with the Girls Academy, brings together top-tier resources to continue building a clear pathway across North America for more players to reach their highest potential.

"The addition of a new tier to MLS NEXT reflects Major League Soccer’s continued dedication to growing the game at the youth level,” added MLS NEXT technical director Luis Robles. “We are excited to deepen the talent pool and welcome more players and coaches as we work with them to develop the next generation of talent who will impact the professional game and national teams.”

MLS NEXT was launched in 2020, and prides itself on being the "most elite" platform for youth player development in North America. There are 151 total clubs across multiple age groups competing in the 2024-25 edition of the competition, including MLS NEXT Fest, the Generation Adidas Cup and two more marquee events.

“We think it is wonderful that MLS NEXT has expanded its pathway to give access to more clubs and players. National Academy League has a proven record of working with MLS NEXT Elite Academies and other top clubs. We are thrilled to support MLS NEXT to unite the youth soccer landscape and enhance player development," said vice president of 3Step Soccer Ian Burgess.

“For the last 5 years, the EA has provided clubs across the U.S. the opportunity to be a part of a national platform, and we are honored that our body of work has been recognized. The alignment with MLS NEXT allows there to be collaboration and cooperation to bring the game together," added Ryan Miller, EA Commissioner. "The EA is excited to play an important role in this new tier of MLS NEXT, while continuing to grow clubs and set standards for clubs to progress and develop within the EA.”

Applications for the new tier, beginning in 2025, are now open, with MLS NEXT encouraging eligible teams for apply for participation.