While the NASL appears to be surviving for another season at the moment, the USL’s future is clear. US Soccer awarded the USL tier two status along with the NASL for the 2017 calendar year. However, it seems only a matter of time before the USL fully surpasses the NASL.
With direct ties to the MLS and a quickly growing foot print across the country, the USL is helping build a foundation of professional soccer at the local level.
Both the Tampa Bay Rowdies and the Ottawa Fury jumped ship from the NASL to join the USL this season, bringing the total number of teams up to 30 for 2017.