MLS Next Pro

MLS Next Pro is a professional soccer league that operates in the United States and Canada.

Founded by Major League Soccer, it succeeded the league’s reserve competition and has operated since 2022 as a third-division league in North America.

History

On June 21, 2021, Major League Soccer announced the creation of a new professional league beginning with the following season.

The inaugural 2022 season featured 21 teams: 20 reserve sides of MLS clubs plus Rochester New York. It was also announced that eight more MLS reserve teams would join the league starting in 2023.

The first edition of the league was won by Columbus Crew 2, who defeated St. Louis City 2 4–1 in the final.

References

↑ Brian Straus. "MLS Next Pro Adds Another Element to U.S.'s Lower Club Tier". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2021-12-08.
↑ "MLS to launch development league in 2022". ESPN.com. 2021-06-21. Retrieved 2021-12-08.
↑ "MLS NEXT Pro". MLS NEXT Pro. Retrieved 2021-12-08.
↑ "History made! Columbus Crew 2 win MLS NEXT Pro Cup over St Louis CITY2". mlssoccer.com. 2022-10-08. Retrieved 2022-12-01.

[1] Brian Straus. "MLS Next Pro Adds Another Element to U.S.'s Lower Club Tier". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2021-12-08.

[2] "MLS to launch development league in 2022". ESPN.com. 2021-06-21. Retrieved 2021-12-08.

[3] "MLS NEXT Pro". MLS NEXT Pro. Retrieved 2021-12-08.

[4] "History made! Columbus Crew 2 win MLS NEXT Pro Cup over St Louis CITY2". mlssoccer.com. 2022-10-08. Retrieved 2022-12-01.