LEAGUES & CLUBS
MLS Next Pro
Division III
MLS NEXT Pro is a professional development league connected to MLS teams. Although no promotion or relegation, it focuses on bridging the gap between MLS academies and their MLS first team.
MLS NEXT Pro is a Division III professional men’s soccer league in the United States and Canada affiliated with Major League Soccer (MLS). The league was officially announced on June 21, 2021, with the goal of creating a clear development pathway between MLS first teams and youth academies.
MLS NEXT Pro began play in 2022 and features a mix of MLS reserve teams and a growing number of independent clubs. Many teams are directly owned and operated by MLS organizations, serving as second teams that allow young players to transition into the professional game.
The league is designed to provide consistent playing time for emerging talent, while also offering opportunities for independent clubs to compete at the professional level within the broader U.S. soccer landscape.
As of the 2026 season, MLS NEXT Pro continues to expand with new markets and clubs joining the league, further strengthening its role as a key part of the player development system in North America.
See the MLS NEXT Pro official website for teams, schedule, and league information.
MLS NEXT Pro Teams
- Atlanta United 2
Atlanta, Georgia
(Founded in 2018) - Austin FC II
Austin, Texas
(Founded in 2022) - Crown Legacy FC
Charlotte, North Carolina
(Founded in 2023) - Columbus Crew 2
Columbus, Ohio
(Founded in 2022) - North Texas SC
Frisco, Texas
(Founded in 2018) - Houston Dynamo 2
Houston, Texas
(Founded in 2022) - Inter Miami CF II
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
(Founded in 2022) - Sporting Kansas City II
Kansas City, Missouri
(Founded in 2016) - LA Galaxy II
Los Angeles, California
(Founded in 2014) - LAFC 2
Los Angeles, California
(Founded in 2023) - Minnesota United FC 2
Saint Paul, Minnesota
(Founded in 2022) - Nashville SC 2
Nashville, Tennessee
(Founded in 2022) - New England Revolution II
Foxborough, Massachusetts
(Founded in 2020) - New York City FC II
New York, New York
(Founded in 2022) - New York Red Bulls II
Harrison, New Jersey
(Founded in 2015) - Orlando City B
Orlando, Florida
(Founded in 2016) - Philadelphia Union II
Chester, Pennsylvania
(Founded in 2016) - Portland Timbers 2
Portland, Oregon
(Founded in 2014) - Real Monarchs
Herriman, Utah
(Founded in 2014) - The Town FC
San Jose, California
(Founded in 2024) - Tacoma Defiance
Tacoma, Washington
(Founded in 2015) - Toronto FC II
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
(Founded in 2014) - Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
(Founded in 2022)
Other MLS NEXT Pro Info
Contact Info
Major League Soccer
420 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY