Expansion

The 2027/28 MLS NEXT Expansion Application opens on October 16th, 2026. Please use this link to submit your interest.

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by MLS NEXT. Expansion applications are only for clubs not currently participating in MLS NEXT. The dates below are for guidance but are subject to change.

Applying for MLS NEXT

In February 2025, MLS NEXT announced the addition of the Academy Division to the League. The 2025/26 season marked the first season of MLS NEXT with two divisions: the MLS NEXT Allstate Homegrown Division and the MLS NEXT Academy Division.

Similar to last year’s expansion process, clubs that apply to and are accepted into MLS NEXT will be placed in the Academy Division, unless otherwise identified and communicated by an MLS NEXT staff member. Once a club becomes part of MLS NEXT, they are evaluated annually based on a defined set of criteria to determine which MLS NEXT division it will compete in for the next season.

Decision Process

Step

Description

Expected Date

1

Application Opens.

Oct. 16, 2026

2

Application Submitted by perspective club.

Oct. 16 - Dec. 1, 2026

3

Application is reviewed by MLS NEXT Staff.

Oct. 16 - Jan. 8, 2027

4

Perspective club is notified by MLS NEXT regarding application status.

By Jan. 8, 2027

5

Clubs that advance beyond the review process will be contacted by MLS NEXT for a phone conversation.

By Jan. 8, 2027

6

Clubs that receive a phone conversation are updated regarding their application status.

By Jan. 8, 2027

7

Clubs who advanced beyond the phone conversation will be scheduled for a virtual in person meeting.

Jan. 2027

8

Final applicants are informed of decision.

End of Jan. 2027

9

Public expansion announcement for 2027-28.

Feb. 2027

Primary Decision-Making Criteria

MLS NEXT annually manages a thorough expansion process to select new clubs to compete in the upcoming season. Several factors are considered, included but not limited to:

  • Club leadership and governance
  • Collaboration and relationship with local youth soccer clubs (e.g., player movement with local MLS NEXT club, organized friendlies, coaching education visits, etc.).
  • Community engagement
  • Current platform of competition
  • Defined player pathways
  • Geographic location
  • Holistic player development strategies
  • Financial aid and scholarship programs
  • Strength of current and potential player pool
  • Club accessibility, including potential inclusion practices

Ancillary Decision-Making Criteria

It is important to MLS NEXT that prospective clubs highlight what makes them unique and special, relative to other clubs in the landscape. We also understand that the clubs in MLS NEXT will vary in size and other distinguishing factors. Outlined below are a few examples that will not exclude your application from further review and should not discourage a club from applying:

  • Number of teams per age group
  • Number of teams within the club
  • Number of players within the club