The USL hopes to "become a more visible and authentic alternative” to MLS with "more focus than ever before" on soccer in the U.S., according to James Nalton of the London GUARDIAN. A new TV deal announced before the 2024 season gives the USL a "chance to become an even bigger part of the game in the US” with “increased availability and visibility.” With the majority of MLS games behind the Apple TV+ paywall, USL could “become the go-to league for TV viewers, especially in most of its local markets where it will be freely available on local, linear channels." The USL Championship matches still behind a paywall on ESPN and CBS subscription channels will be “alongside some of the European leagues.” Being on the "same channels to which soccer fans already subscribe to watch other leagues” could also "contribute to USL becoming the US soccer league of choice for TV viewers." While there is “plenty of optimism around the future of USL,” there is “pessimism around the future of the country’s national cup competition,” the US Open Cup. MLS withdrew 18 of its 26 eligible teams from the tournament this season, and the future of the 113-year-old competition going into 2025 "remains in the balance.” There is “frustration within USL at the actions of MLS in the cup episode and its attitude towards US soccer as a whole.” Detroit City FC co-founder & CEO Sean Mann said, “MLS interests are not inherently the interests of the sport in this country.” Nalton notes USL owners “considering promotion and relegation” and being “fully behind the US Open Cup" could "work in their favour in the eyes of many soccer fans” (London GUARDIAN, 4/9).
