Providing a clear path for young players from local youth clubs to professional teams, MLS NEXT includes academies affiliated with professional clubs in MLS, and independent youth players in top clubs.
The League’s growth coincides with the League’s mission in developing the next generation of soccer talent.
Two divisions for 2025–26: Homegrown and Academy
Recently, MLS NEXT shared the names of new competition tiers and starting this season, it has a two-league system.
The Homegrown Division has 152 clubs professional club affiliated and non-affiliated academies including Atlanta United, LA Galaxy, New York Red Bulls and development environments for creating the best talent.
Notable Clubs:
- Atlanta United FC (GA)
- LA Galaxy Academy (CA)
- New York Red Bulls Academy (NJ)
- Chicago Fire Youth SC (IL)
- FC Dallas Academy (TX)
- Philadelphia Union Academy (PA)
- New England Revolution Academy (MA)
- San Jose Earthquakes Academy (CA
- Seattle Sounders FC Academy (WA)
- Orlando City SC Academy (FL)
.@RealMonarchs jumps into the power rankings for the first time this season. 🦁
— MLS NEXT Pro (@MLSNEXTPRO) September 2, 2025
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The Academy Division has 230 elite youth clubs consisting of MLS affiliated academies and independent academies (e.g. Michigan Jaguars, Lou Fusz Athletic, Loudoun Soccer Club).
Notable Clubs:
- Cincinnati United Premier SC (OH)
- Michigan Futbol Academy (MI)
- Lou Fusz Athletic (MO)
- Loudoun Soccer Club (VA)
- Michigan Jaguars (MI)
- Midwest United FC (MI)
- Sockers FC Chicago (IL)
Together, they have over 2,100 teams and 43,000 players which indicate the size and ambition of houses of MLS NEXT.
New Clubs:
- ALBION SC Colorado (CO)
- Charlotte Independence (NC)
- Chattanooga FC (TN)
- Huntsville City FC (AL)
- Michigan Futbol Academy (MI)
Pathway to the pros
With the league growing, especially with MLS NEXT 2, which includes the National Academy League and the Elite Academy League, there are more opportunities for young players to play at a high level.
The growth is part of a bigger vision of a structured and achievable pathway for talent across the continent. MLS NEXT is providing opportunity.
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— MLS NEXT Pro (@MLSNEXTPRO) September 2, 2025
It’s creating a clear pathway to MLS academies, MLS NEXT Pro teams and college programs. It’s giving young players competitive environments to be exposed to professional settings and prepared for the next step in their careers.
So to sum it up, MLS NEXT is showing North American soccer its future through its MLS-affiliated and independent clubs.
The combination of growth and structure is giving young players the opportunity to develop and hone their talent, play at the highest levels and achieve their goals. It’s safe to say MLS NEXT is part of the soccer ecosystem in North America.
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