USL Appoints Premier League Executive Tony Scholes as President of New Division One
The United Soccer League has selected Tony Scholes, a veteran of England’s Premier League, to lead its forthcoming top-tier division, signaling a significant escalation in its ambition to reshape the American soccer landscape.
A New Era for USL
The USL, currently operating the Championship and League One tiers, is preparing to launch a division One league designed to compete with Major League Soccer (MLS). Tony Scholes takes the helm as President, bringing extensive experience from the pinnacle of English football. He officially assumes his new role following the conclusion of the 2025-26 Premier League season in May 2026.
Scholes transitions from his position as Chief football Officer of the Premier League, where he oversaw the football operations of the world’s most-watched domestic soccer competition. Prior to that, he served as the Chief executive of Stoke City for 17 years.
Leadership and Vision
Alec Papadakis, USL’s Chief Executive, lauded Scholes as a “proven leader” with unparalleled expertise. “His appointment marks another major step forward for the USL and underscores the confidence and momentum behind what we’re building,” Papadakis stated. The USL envisions a system with promotion and relegation, a departure from MLS’s closed-league structure.
The appointment came about,in part,through a connection with USL President Paul McDonough,who previously collaborated with Scholes during his tenure at Stoke City. This established relationship facilitated the recruitment of a leader with a deep understanding of professional soccer management.
The USL Pyramid and Future Growth
The new Division One will sit atop the USL structure, encompassing the USL Championship, League One, League Two, and USL Youth leagues. This tiered system intends to foster talent progress and provide a clear pathway for players to ascend through the ranks.
US Soccer mandates that a Division One league must comprise at least 12 teams, geographically dispersed across the Eastern, Central, and Pacific time zones, with at least 75% located within markets of one million or more residents. Venues must be enclosed and accommodate a minimum of 15,000 spectators, while demonstrating overall financial stability.
| League Tier | League Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Division One | (Unnamed) | New top-flight league, aiming for promotion/relegation. |
| Second Tier | USL Championship | Established professional league, feeder to division One. |
| Third Tier | USL League One | Developing professional league, pathway for emerging talent. |
Financial Requirements and Ownership
the USL anticipates that existing USL Championship clubs will be prime candidates for advancement to Division One, alongside potential new ownership groups. However, any new owners will be subject to stringent financial criteria. Principal owners must possess a net worth of at least $40 million, or groups of owners must collectively demonstrate a net worth of $70 million or greater, with a minimum 35% stake held by the principal owner.
Unlike MLS, which operates under a single-entity model, USL clubs are independently owned and operated, allowing for greater autonomy and localized control.
The Expanding US Soccer Landscape
The USL’s growth reflects a broader trend in American soccer, with increasing investment and growing fan interest. According to Statista, soccer participation in the United States reached a record high in 2023, with over 13.8 million participants.The arrival of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to further fuel this growth.
did You Know? The USL was founded in 1986, initially focusing on developing a national pathway for both male and female soccer players.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on potential expansion markets, especially cities with growing populations and a demonstrated interest in soccer, as prime locations for new USL Division One teams.
Frequently Asked Questions about USL Division One
- What is USL Division One? It’s the new top-flight league planned by the United Soccer League, aiming to compete with MLS.
- Who is Tony Scholes? He’s the newly appointed President of USL Division One, with a background as Chief Football Officer of the Premier League and former CEO of Stoke City.
- Will there be promotion and relegation? Yes, the USL intends to implement a promotion and relegation system between its leagues.
- What are the financial requirements for owners? Principal owners need a net worth of at least $40 million,or groups need $70 million combined.
- How does the USL ownership model differ from MLS? The USL operates with independently owned clubs, unlike MLS’s single-entity structure.
- What are the venue requirements for Division One teams? Venues must be enclosed and have a minimum seating capacity of 15,000.
- When will USL Division One launch? The appointment of Scholes is in preparation for launch, with the 2025-26 Premier League season being his last at the current role.
