Everyone knows what MLS is, but when MLS NEXT popped up followed swiftly by MLS NEXT Pro, people understandably began to lose track.
When people find out that non-MLS affiliated clubs are involved in these leagues, it only adds to the confusion, especially since most soccer fans focus on the senior first teams and have little understanding of what goes on further down the soccer pyramid.
In short, MLS NEXT is an elite youth soccer league, and MLS NEXT Pro is a reserve come professional development league, and both of them ultimately exist to funnel the best talent towards Major League Soccer. Together, they provide a player pathway/
This guide explains exactly how both leagues work, why they exist, and who they are for.
MLS NEXT Explained
MLS NEXT was launched in 2020 as the elite youth development league for Major League Soccer.
There was a US Soccer Development Academy before MLS NEXT, and MLS youth academies were part of that, but it closed down due to financial pressure. There was also a strong feeling that MLS wanted more control over player development, so they stepped in within weeks of the closure.
The league exists for the U13 to U19 age groups across the USA and Canada, defining technical standards, running the schedules and standings, as well as staging national events like MLS NEXT Fest, MLS NEXT Flex, the MLS Cup, and the Generation adidas cup.
- Calendar and Format – The league mirrors MLS. The regular season usually runs from September to June, but on a much more regional basis given the players are far younger and over 750 teams take part. Qualification for the MLS NEXT Cup is via league standings and performance at MLS NEXT Flex (a mid-season national qualifying event), before advancing to the playoffs.
- Trophies and Awards – National titles are awarded in each age group, and tournament regulations specify slightly different rules for each age group in terms of match length etc. There is also an MLS NEXT All-Star Game for the cream of the crop.
- Who it’s For – Boys in U13 to U19 MLS academies as well as selected youth clubs deemed to be elite by the organisers. This means it’s much more accessible nationally, and young soccer players from areas where there is no MLS presence can still get access to the top level competition for their age group.
So it’s a youth league, run nationally, to provide a direct pathway towards professional soccer for as many young players as possible.
MLS NEXT PRO Explained
Many people don’t realise this, but MLS NEXT Pro is not only a professional league, but it makes up the third tier of the US and Canadian football pyramid, after the USL.
It was launched in 2022 as a way to bridge the gap between youth soccer (MLS NEXT, basically) and MLS first teams. It gives younger players a chance to get regular minutes in a competitive, professional league, but also expands the player pool by allowing independent clubs to join, i.e clubs with no MLS affiliation. It also allows MLS to control the reserve/development structure rather than relying on USL affiliates as used to largely be the case.
As of 2025 there were 29 clubs competing in MLS NEXT Pro, two of which were independents: Carolina Core FC and Chattanooga FC. However, 5 more independent teams are scheduled to be added by the 2027 season.
- Calendar and Format – MLS NEXT Pro do things a little differently. They play a 30 week season from March onwards, with 28 games played per team. They also use the old shootout system, so if a game is tied after 90 minutes it goes straight to penalties, with 2 points awarded for a win in this manner. Regular season performance decides which teams progress to the playoffs, with teams being knocked out until the MLS NEXT Pro Cup final, usually in November.
- Trophies and Awards – The MLS NEXT Pro Cup is the main trophy, but teams in the league also compete in the US Open Cup, so in theory, a NEXT Pro team could end up facing their parent team, although it would be highly unlikely.
- Rosters and Contracts – Since it is a professional league, MLS NEXT Pro players do get paid, but unlike MLS, there is no salary cap. However, there doesn’t need to be one at this level. Teams can register up to 35 players, up to 30 of which can be professionals, but they can have as many as 11 amateurs, although a maximum of 5 academy players are allowed on the pitch at the same time.
- Who it’s For – Players on the cusp of readiness. It’s a step up from MLS NEXT for 19 year olds and above who have outgrown the youth league but need more development before joining their MLS first teams. The competition, intensity, and pace is heightened, but is not quite at MLS level. However, there is no age cap, so clubs also use it as a way to get injured first team players back to match fitness after injury, so senior players do take part in MLS NEXT Pro matches from time to time.
So MLS NEXT Pro is both a reserve league and a development league, but it is a competition in its own right, too. Plus, it serves as a way for MLS to expand its fanbase by accepting independent clubs from big towns or cities with no MLS club nearby, but a strong soccer team nevertheless.
Quick Comparison Table
For anyone needing fast answers, here is a quick comparison table showing everything mentioned above:
| Feature | MLS NEXT | MLS NEXT Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Elite youth development league | Professional league (third tier in the U.S./Canada pyramid) |
| Who plays | U13–U19 academy players from MLS clubs and selected elite independent academies | Young professionals and academy graduates (no fixed age cap), plus occasional first-team rehabs |
| Purpose | Develop top youth talent in a structured, best-vs-best environment | Bridge between academy football and MLS first teams; provide regular professional minutes |
| Season timing | Primarily September–June, regional schedules with national events | Spring–Autumn; regular season followed by playoffs |
| Competition format | Regional league play leading to national events (e.g., MLS NEXT Cup qualifiers) | Conference-based regular season; single-elimination playoffs culminating in MLS NEXT Pro Cup |
| Match rules | Standard youth competition regulations (age-appropriate match lengths/subs) | Matches drawn after 90’ proceed to a penalty shootout; both teams earn a point, shootout winner earns an extra point |
| Teams / structure | MLS club academies plus invited elite independent youth clubs | Mostly MLS reserve sides, with additional independent professional clubs |
| Rosters | Academy players registered by age group | Club-signed professional players with allowance for amateur/academy call-ups; roster rules distinct from MLS first-team rules |
| Trophies / titles | Age-group national champions at MLS NEXT Cup; marquee showcases (e.g., Generation adidas Cup) | MLS NEXT Pro Cup (postseason champions); regular-season conference/overall leaders recognized |
| Broadcast / visibility | Coverage of national events via MLS channels and partner streams | League matches available on MLS Season Pass (Apple TV) |
So despite sounding very similar and being linked, MLS NEXT and MLS NEXT Pro are completely separate and have very different reasons for existing.