MLS NEXT Pro was launched in order to complete the player pathway between MLS NEXT and MLS first teams, thereby bridging the gap between the youth platforms and the professional ranks. Since then, the league has gone from 21 teams to 27 reserve sides as well as two independent clubs, not including the now-defunct Rochester New York FC.
Out of the 30 MLS teams, only three do not have affiliations with an MLS Next Pro team: CF Montréal, D.C. United, and San Diego FC. Furthermore, there are quite a few future teams that are set to join, like Connecticut United FC (2026) as well as Jacksonville Armada FC, Cleveland Pro Soccer, AC Grand Rapids, Golden City FC, and The Island FC (2027).