1. Division Overview

MLS NEXT Pro was once just a place for talent to develop - and now it aims to be so much more

Cristo Fernandez, who played Dani Rojas in the beloved Apple TV series Ted Lasso, trained with MLS's Chicago Fire last month, the club confirmed Wednesday. GOAL reported the Mexican-born actor was on trial with USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive earlier this week, and could yet receive a contract. Fernandez played academy soccer in Mexico as a teenager.

MLS NEXT Pro officially announced its 2026 regular season schedule, marking the league’s earliest start to date and the expansion to 30 teams with the addition of Connecticut United FC. The season will feature 420 matches, run through the FIFA World Cup, and include key milestones such as a Decision Day, new venues, and increased pathways to MLS first teams.

Former USMNT star Michael Bradley earned his first coaching title as New York Red Bulls II captured the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Cup. His side erased a two-goal deficit to beat Colorado Rapids 2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw. A record crowd of 9,095 at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, N.J., watched the Eastern Conference champs claim the league’s fourth title.