We really need more League One teams in the northeast. It would be great if New Hampshire wised up and joined League One. The derby between Portland and NH would be great!
You and me both! I've been in regular contact with the person behind the effort. Hoping to get as many people to the UPSL games in the fall to show that we want our own pro team!
I just did a dive into why Boise doesn't yet have pro soccer. What a mess! It looks like the pro-soccer mayor was voted out of office in 2019 and any new stadium funding will need voters to approve. In short, not enough community support and political support to bring soccer there. They have college football and that seems to be enough for those cow- and farm-hands!
Fair… I also just realized Spokane and Eugene are over 6 hours away from each others and I’m crying about a 4 hour road trip haha. STILL! More in New England would be great.
The number of clubs coming in here is staggering. Division 3 is where the majority of expansion should be happening, but it's still surprising to see it all spelled out.
Omaha is buying its way to the championship in 2026. There’s always been talk that Chattanooga and Lexington could do the same. And you never know if someone will fold. So it’s good to have a pipeline!
Yes, the Red Wolves and Lex already have the requisite soccer-specific stadiums and deep-pocketed owners, so should withstand the occasional financial turmoil that has been the death of so many other lower league clubs....
At a press conference with the league presidents last month, the USLC president confirmed Milwaukee is still a go for 2026. I believe another one of our writers is working on tracking down more details on USLC expansion. Stay tuned!
A clarification on the record, they’ve sold the most tickets in the fastest time. Spokane still holds the record with 4,000 total. Spokane wanted me to let everyone know that. Portland could get there though!
I’ve seen no indications on Vermont going pro. They have a really good thing with the summer league and going pro would involve sharing the stadium once school starts. Same with Annapolis Blues. Lubbock on the other hand, I’m digging into that one a bit more after a tip…
VGFC likely will never go pro. The owners, team, and fans are all behind a net neutral carbon footprint in almost all the club does. this would be, or would almost be, impossible to have a net neutral professional team unless the league had an extremely small footprint. Some teams are better off in L2, and that's okay.
We really need more League One teams in the northeast. It would be great if New Hampshire wised up and joined League One. The derby between Portland and NH would be great!
League One is the plan for Manchester!
True! I'm Just selfish and want a team that is under a 2 hour road trip haha.
You and me both! I've been in regular contact with the person behind the effort. Hoping to get as many people to the UPSL games in the fall to show that we want our own pro team!
That would be great!! Until then you are more than welcome to join the Dirigo Union!
Does the Dirigo Union has an Instagram account?
Yeah! @dirigounion also check out our website at dirigounion.com!
You mean in the Northwest :)
Haha. You all have enough!
Spokane and Eugen isnt enough. At least a team in Seattle and Boise would be nice.
I just did a dive into why Boise doesn't yet have pro soccer. What a mess! It looks like the pro-soccer mayor was voted out of office in 2019 and any new stadium funding will need voters to approve. In short, not enough community support and political support to bring soccer there. They have college football and that seems to be enough for those cow- and farm-hands!
Fair… I also just realized Spokane and Eugene are over 6 hours away from each others and I’m crying about a 4 hour road trip haha. STILL! More in New England would be great.
I took the flixbus to Spoaken from Portland for their home opener. That was a six to seven hour drive lol
Portland could support a League one team easily in my opinion depending where they play.
The number of clubs coming in here is staggering. Division 3 is where the majority of expansion should be happening, but it's still surprising to see it all spelled out.
Omaha is buying its way to the championship in 2026. There’s always been talk that Chattanooga and Lexington could do the same. And you never know if someone will fold. So it’s good to have a pipeline!
Yes, the Red Wolves and Lex already have the requisite soccer-specific stadiums and deep-pocketed owners, so should withstand the occasional financial turmoil that has been the death of so many other lower league clubs....
Good stuff! Thank you for the excellent recap.
I know it's USL C but do you have any information on Fort Worth? I've heard Donnie Nelson still retains the franchise rights
Radio silence, but I’ll do some digging for the next piece. Thanks!
Nice roundup. Any word on Milwaukee's USLC team? Beyond some very vague and dated official statements, information has been nonexistent.
At a press conference with the league presidents last month, the USLC president confirmed Milwaukee is still a go for 2026. I believe another one of our writers is working on tracking down more details on USLC expansion. Stay tuned!
Alex: thanks for a fantastic write-up! Hearts of Pine have now sold 2800 season tix deposits, a new USL League One record!
What are your thoughts about Vermont Green eventually joining USL League One? They SOLD OUT all their season tickets within 24 hours of going on sale!
https://vermontgreenfc.com/2025-season-tickets-are-sold-out
A clarification on the record, they’ve sold the most tickets in the fastest time. Spokane still holds the record with 4,000 total. Spokane wanted me to let everyone know that. Portland could get there though!
I’ve seen no indications on Vermont going pro. They have a really good thing with the summer league and going pro would involve sharing the stadium once school starts. Same with Annapolis Blues. Lubbock on the other hand, I’m digging into that one a bit more after a tip…
VGFC likely will never go pro. The owners, team, and fans are all behind a net neutral carbon footprint in almost all the club does. this would be, or would almost be, impossible to have a net neutral professional team unless the league had an extremely small footprint. Some teams are better off in L2, and that's okay.
Perhaps VGFC could partner with a nearby L1 or USL-C team to create a pathway for promising young players to train and ascend?
AV Alta has a bustlingly brilliant social media presence (links below). The 661sg has an amazing band whose leader is called The Lord Commander!
https://www.instagram.com/the661sg
https://www.instagram.com/avaltafc/