Expansion
The 2026/27 MLS NEXT Expansion Application opens on October 1st, 2025. Please use this link to submit your interest.
Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by MLS NEXT. Expansion applications are only for clubs not currently participating in MLS NEXT. The dates below are for guidance but are subject to change.
Applying for MLS NEXT
In February 2025, MLS NEXT announced the addition of the Academy Division to the League. The 2025/26 season is the first season of MLS NEXT with two divisions, The MLS NEXT Allstate Homegrown Division and the MLS NEXT Academy Division.
How does this impact your expansion application for the 2026/27 season? New clubs applying to and accepted into MLS NEXT will be placed in the Academy Division, unless otherwise identified and communicated with by an MLS NEXT staff member. Once a part of MLS NEXT, each club is evaluated annually based on a defined set of criteria to determine which Division of MLS NEXT, they will compete in.
