u/adomescik

The USL and its men’s professional clubs have approved a new revenue-sharing model under which clubs will receive a share of centrally generated revenue, including proceeds from national media rights, leaguewide sponsorships, betting data and, most significantly, expansion fees. The new framework has been adopted for a five-year term beginning in 2027.

The move comes ahead of the USL’s planned introduction of a Division I league and a promotion-and-relegation system in 2028, potentially making investment in its clubs more attractive as it seeks to add new teams at the highest level. It is also the latest instance of second-year investor BellTower Partners, led by USL Co-Chair Kewsong Lee, influencing the organization’s strategic direction.

Interview starts around 35 mins in. This is the most news we've heard in a while on how the pro/rel discussions are moving behind the scenes. Some notable parts:

• They are probably starting with 12-14 teams in Premier
• Initially will promote more teams up than they will relegate down to fill up to 20 teams in Premier and Championship over time
• Playoffs will probably play some part in which teams get promoted or relegated though they might have some spots that are locked in.
• Sounds like no parachute payments. They actually are putting more consideration into financial help for teams promoting up because the cost of business would be higher.
• They are in conversations with US soccer to reduce the stadium requirement. He admitted that requiring promoted teams to make massive stadium investments to move up isn't financially viable.
• Looking to launch in 2028
• Want a balanced schedule playing each team home and away.