The debate over whether the United Soccer League (USL) could one day reach Division One status and implement a promotion/relegation system is heating up. With momentum building in smaller markets and stronger leadership at the league level, two prominent former U.S. internationals and current USL club investors—Landon Donovan and Tim Howard—shared their perspectives on the long-term upside of America’s second-tier soccer league.
Landon Donovan: “My Mind is Changing”
Donovan admitted that only a few years ago he would have dismissed the idea. But today, he sees signs of genuine growth:
- Leadership: “They have really good leadership in charge now with Paul McDonough, who I think will do a great job,” Donovan noted.
- Infrastructure: Louisville City boasts the only stadium currently adequate for Division One status, with a capacity over 15,000.
- Market Growth: New USL entries like Boise are showing strong ownership and fan support—already selling over 5,000 season tickets.
Donovan believes mid-sized cities such as Sacramento, Phoenix, and New Mexico could also sustain Division One-level clubs. While he isn’t sure USL could compete “like for like” with MLS, he sees a scenario where continued soccer growth in the U.S. makes it possible.
Tim Howard: “It Has to Be Financially Viable”
Howard sees promise but remains cautious. For him, the financial model is the key:
- Parachute Payments: “As long as they get the financial part right… if we’re ever going to create a promotion/relegation model in this country, it’s going to be at the USL level,” he said, pointing to the league’s existing pyramid.
- Fan Sophistication: Howard argued that American soccer fans are now too savvy to ignore the consequences of relegation. “When teams get relegated in Germany or England, they go from 40,000 people to 20,000. I think we’re at that level of sophistication now in this country.”
- Risk for Smaller Clubs: He worries that new clubs like Boise could struggle if relegated too quickly, potentially dampening enthusiasm and ticket sales.
The Relegation vs. Promotion Trade-Off
Donovan countered that in smaller markets, loyalty may endure regardless of league level. “If they start in League One and get promoted, those people are going to be there. They get relegated, I feel like the people are still going to be there,” he said.
But Howard argued that in a fully mature soccer culture, relegation would sting even in the U.S. “Our fans would feel that and be like, I ain’t buying into this,” he reflected on his time as part-owner of Memphis 901 FC.
The Business Side: Costs of Success
One listener raised a different angle: could promotion itself create problems if ticket prices rise in larger stadiums? For families used to affordable outings, moving from a 2,000-seat venue to a 15,000-seat stadium could be a financial barrier.
Howard, however, believes fans will accept the trade-off. “Sports are about dreams. If you’re locked and loaded onto a team and they go up, and the stadium gets bigger, and you have to pay more money—you’ve already bought into that dream.”
Donovan agreed, suggesting the jump in USL ticket prices wouldn’t be as extreme as European examples. “Instead of $10 it might be 14 or 17 or so,” he said.
The Bottom Line
The USL’s long-term path to Division One and promotion/relegation remains uncertain. Donovan sees momentum building, Howard warns of financial and fan-base risks, and both acknowledge the cultural shift in how American fans approach the game.
Whether or not USL can survive alongside MLS at the top level, the league’s trajectory is no longer easy to dismiss.