🔥Expansion & Growth — New Clubs, More Competition

Meet the New MLS NEXT Clubs & What They Bring to the Field

MLS NEXT continues to expand its footprint across the U.S. ahead of the 2025-26 season. The league has added seven exciting new member clubs to the top tier of competition, bringing fresh regions, new rivalries, and even more opportunity for developing players at every level.

🆕 New MLS NEXT Clubs for 2025-26

Here are the seven new clubs joining MLS NEXT’s top tier this season:

• 🟡 ALBION SC Colorado (Boulder/Denver, CO)
  A well-established youth powerhouse bringing a full U13-U19 pathway and strong technical development focus to the Mountain West.


• 🟢 Charlotte Independence (Charlotte, NC)
  A growing club in a booming soccer market — injecting MLS NEXT with southern intensity and a community-driven culture.


• 🔵 Chattanooga FC (Chattanooga, TN)
  A respected club with a grassroots legacy now expanding its youth footprint and offering new matchups in the Southeast.


• 🟠 Huntsville City FC (Huntsville, AL)
  Affiliated with Nashville SC, Huntsville enters youth competition with a focus on merging MLS NEXT Pro development systems with youth pathways.


• 🔴 Michigan Futbol Academy (Grand Rapids, MI)
  A technical and tactical incubator from the Midwest with ambitious plans for growth and a tight developmental philosophy.


• 🟣 Northern Virginia Alliance (Leesburg, VA)
  Serving the dynamic DMV region, this new club brings elite coaching and opportunities to a soccer-rich talent pool.


• ⚫ The Football Academy (Florham Park, NJ)
  Building on a tradition of strong coaching and high-performing teams across age groups, adding competitive depth in the Northeast.


• 🟤 Tulsa Greenwood SC (Tulsa, OK)
  The first MLS NEXT club in Oklahoma, representing the state as the 34th with youth participation — expanding the league’s reach into the Heartland.

🌟 Why These Additions Matter

This expansion isn’t just about adding names to the list — it’s about bringing elite development to new geographies and player communities:

• 📈 1. More Local Opportunities for Players
  These new clubs give local players direct access to MLS NEXT competition at younger ages — increasing visibility without long travel.
• 🤝 2. Deeper Scout Networks
  With new markets represented, scouts from colleges and pro pathways will be watching more regional rivalries and breakout talent.
• ⚽ 3. Fresh Styles & Competitive Balance
  Each club brings a unique culture and tactical identity — adding variety to league play and keeping opposition guessing.

📊 MLS NEXT by the Numbers

The 2025-26 MLS NEXT season features a record-setting number of participants:

• 273 clubs
• 2,189 teams
• 43,000+ registered players
• Over 28,000 matches across the U.S. and Canada

That’s more competition, more exposure, and more paths to help you stand out as the season unfolds.

🔍 What to Watch This Season

As these new clubs settle in, keep an eye on:

• Key regional matchups — especially Northeast vs. Southeast and Heartland vs. Midwest clashes
• Breakout performers from first-year MLS NEXT crews
• Scout attention trends — major events like Fest, Flex, and Cup will increasingly include players from these programs

🗣️ Player Tip

Make sure your GoldCleats profile is up to date before any draw, showcase, or cup. New clubs mean new scouts — and they’ll be checking profiles early and often!

📲 Download the GoldCleats App to build your highlight reel, track match data, and get discovered.