Exploring MLS NEXT member clubs: a look inside North America's top Youth Soccer League | OneFootball

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 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).

Together, they have over 2,100 teams and 43,000 players which indicate the size and ambition of houses of MLS NEXT.

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.

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.