A New Chapter in American Soccer
A bold new player development pathway is emerging on the American soccer landscape. Launching with an exhibition schedule in Fall 2025, the National Developmental Soccer League (NDSL) is a U23 amateur/pre-professional league built to bridge the gap between youth and professional soccer, offering structure, opportunity and sustainability for players and clubs alike.
“The landscape for Men’s Soccer players in our country has changed drastically over the last several years,” said Bryan Johnson of the National Developmental Soccer League. “With the advent of the College Soccer Transfer Portal and NIL, along with the significant impact the House vs. The NCAA Settlement has had and will have on College Soccer, the pathway for players from 17 to 23 years old is more complicated than ever. When you add in the addition of more professional teams every year, it is clear that the opportunities available in the traditional pathways are moving in opposite directions. The NDSL is here to address this issue through a longer, more developmentally focused calendar and regional based play to ensure economic feasibility and access to all. We are excited to begin these next steps in the journey to provide additional pathways to players who aspire to be professionals in soccer, either on or off the field of play.”
The NDSL will debut with an exhibition schedule this fall, which will officially kickoff in September. Following the fall slate of matches, the NDSL will host its first fully sanctioned season in 2026 from February through May, with playoffs then being held in early June. Starting in Fall 2026, the NDSL will feature teams competing in a 10-month season from September through May, again followed by playoffs in early June. Each team will play one match per week, totaling 12–16 matches in both the fall and spring. This format ensures a developmentally focused training-to-match ratio of at least 4:1, promoting consistent growth and performance.
Designed for players who are serious about the game but may not have turned pro by age 17, the NDSL offers a critical step forward. Whether individuals are pursuing professional playing contracts, exploring careers in coaching, refereeing or soccer administration, or seeking developmentally appropriate college opportunities, the league provides a vital platform for progression.
The NDSL also serves athletes who may not have access to college soccer due to financial limitations, academic eligibility or geographic isolation. The league can provide a new home for student-athletes who have exited college programs and need a clear next step, without the burden of relocating across the country or navigating limited transfer options.
Beyond individual players, the NDSL is designed to benefit organizations at all levels of the game:
- For professional clubs in leagues like Major League Soccer and the United Soccer League, it offers a ready-made talent development platform.
- For youth soccer organizations, it provides a credible post-high school pathway, without the high costs or infrastructure demands of professional teams.
To remain accessible and efficient, the league is regionally structured, minimizing travel costs while maximizing competitive balance. By initially focusing on the Southeast, the NDSL is laying a foundation for scalable growth and long-term success.
With a clear vision and strong developmental purpose, the National Developmental Soccer League is more than just a new competition. It is a strategic movement toward more inclusive player development in the United States.
To learn more about the National Developmental Soccer League, please visit their official website: ndslu23.com
