‘Would like to see promotion and relegation in MLS’ - USMNT star Tyler Adams backs adoption of European system

Tyler Adams, the 26-year-old U.S. Men's national team midfielder currently playing for AFC Bournemouth and co-owner of USL League One club Westchester SC, has expressed his desire to see promotion and relegation implemented in Major League Soccer.

Adams stated that such a system would add to the "competitive nature of the league." He also added that it gives everyone a chance to play for more while adding a little more risk to the game.

"I would like to see [promotion and relegation] in MLS, in the U.S. I think that would add to the competitive nature of the league," Adams told USA Today. "It just gives everyone a lot more to play for when you know there's a risk of going down when you don't play well, so it adds a little bit more pressure, adds a little bit more nerves and excitement for the fans as well. So hopefully one day it's in MLS."

Adams has a unique perspective considering he played in MLS as a member of the Red Bulls and suffered relegation with Leeds United during the 2022-23 campaign. Once United went to the English Championship, Adams would move on to his current club Bournemouth.

The discussion around promotion and relegation in MLS gains additional context with Adams' involvement in USL League One. USL announced it will be introducing the system to its leagues stateside in 2027 or 2028.

As MLS continues to grow and evolve, the debate over promotion and relegation is likely to intensify. The league will need to weigh the potential benefits of increased competitiveness and fan excitement against the financial and structural challenges of implementing such a system. However, with the new Division 1 getting promotion and relegation incorporated into their system, the debate will intensify at some future.