Expansion
The 2026/27 MLS NEXT Expansion Application opens on October 1st, 2025. Please use the link here to submit your interest.
Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by MLS NEXT. Expansion applications are only for clubs not currently participating in MLS NEXT.
Applying for MLS NEXT
In February 2025, MLS NEXT announced the addition of the Academy Division to the League. The 2025/26 season is the first season of MLS NEXT with two divisions, The MLS NEXT Homegrown Division and the MLS NEXT Academy Division.
How does this impact your expansion application for the 2026/27 season? New clubs applying to and accepted into MLS NEXT will be placed in the Academy Division, unless otherwise identified and communicated with by an MLS NEXT staff member. Once a part of MLS NEXT, each club is evaluated annually based on a defined set of criteria to determine which Division of MLS NEXT, they will compete in.
Decision Process
Step | Description | Expected Date |
1 | Application Opens. | October 1st |
2 | Application Submitted by perspective club. | October 1st - December 1st, 2025 |
3 | Application is received by MLS NEXT, and the club is sent a receipt of confirmation. | October 1st - December 1st, 2025 |
4 | Application is reviewed by MLS NEXT Staff. | October 1st - December 1st, 2025 |
5 | Perspective club is notified by MLS NEXT regarding application status. | By December 1st |
6 | Clubs that advance beyond the review process will be contacted by MLS NEXT for a phone conversation. | By December 1st |
7 | Clubs that receive a phone conversation are updated regarding their application status. | January 2026 |
8 | Clubs who advanced beyond the phone conversation will be scheduled for a virtual in person meeting. | January 2026 |
9 | Final applicants are informed of decision. | End of January 2026 |
10 | Public expansion announcement for 2026-27. | February 2026 |
Primary Decision-Making Criteria
MLS NEXT annually manages a thorough expansion process to select new clubs to compete in the upcoming season. Several factors are considered, included but not limited to:
- Club leadership and governance
- Collaboration with local MLS NEXT clubs.
- Community engagement
- Current platform of competition
- Defined player pathways
- Geographic location
- Holistic player development strategies
- Robust financial aid and scholarship programs
- Strength of current and potential player pool
- Strong commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and representation
Ancillary Decision-Making Criteria
It is important to MLS NEXT that prospective clubs highlight what makes them unique compared to other clubs in the landscape. Outlined below are examples that will not exclude your application from further review and should not discourage a club from applying
- Number of teams per age group
- Number of teams within the club
- Number of players within the club