MLS NEXT Pro announced today the addition of seven MLS-affiliated clubs to the league in 2023. MLS NEXT Pro will now field a total of 28 clubs in 2023.
The following MLS clubs will launch MLS NEXT Pro teams in 2023: Atlanta United, Austin FC, Charlotte FC, LA Galaxy, Los Angeles Football Club, Nashville Soccer Club and New York Red Bulls. Complete details, including team names, logos and venues, will be announced in the coming months.
The new teams will join SKC II, the 19 other MLS-affiliated clubs and the lone independent club, Rochester New York FC, currently competing in MLS NEXT Pro. With 21 clubs, the league currently consists of two conferences with two divisions each. Teams play 24 matches (12 home/12 away) across 26 weeks, with eight teams qualifying for the playoffs at the end of the regular season. With the addition of seven clubs next season, adjustments to the competition and scheduling formats for 2023 will be announced at a later date.
Sporting KC II has six regular season matches left in the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season, with three at home and three on the road. Next up, the team will travel to AVEVA stadium for a matchup with Houston Dynamo 2 on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT and a live stream will be available for free on MLSNEXTPro.com. Tickets for the three remaining home matches at Swope Soccer Village are on sale at SeatGeek.com.
About MLS NEXT ProLaunched in March 2022 by Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT Pro is a professional men’s soccer league in the United States and Canada that completes the pro player pathway. With 21 Clubs competing during the inaugural season – 20 MLS-affiliated and one independent club, Rochester New York FC – MLS NEXT Pro is growing the game through innovation and diversity by bringing professional soccer to new communities and creating opportunities both on and off the field. Seven MLS-affiliated clubs will join MLS NEXT Pro in 2023, pending sanctioning by the U.S. Soccer Federation: Atlanta United, Austin FC, Charlotte FC, LA Galaxy, Los Angeles Football Club, Nashville Soccer Club and New York Red Bulls. Additional MLS-affiliated and independent clubs will join in the years ahead. Beginning in 2023, MLS NEXT Pro matches will be streamed live on the Apple TV app as part of the monumental partnership between Apple and Major League Soccer. For more information about MLS NEXT Pro, visit mlsnextpro.com.
