As the USL enters a new era—launching Division One and inching toward promotion and relegation—its relationship with the players driving that growth has become its most visible tension. A routine CBA negotiation has spilled into stadiums, supporter sections, and the USL Championship Final itself.

Big news here from ESPN colleagues @lizzybecherano.bsky.social & Omar Flores Liga MX is set to reinstate promotion and relegation with the conditions of the format and date of return to be announced soon by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, sources confirmed to ESPN www.espn.com/soccer/story...

Valor Nash takes a closer look at the tactical side of Sacramento’s defeat in El Paso over the weekend, breaking down the decisions, adjustments, and key moments that shaped the outcome of the match.

If you're going to call up a goalkeeper from a second-tier league, it should be @sacrepublicfc.com's Danny Vitiello. Danny Vitiello (2024-25): 51GP, 74% save pct., 10.41 Goals Prevented, fearsome beard Jonathan Klinsmann (2024-25): 28GP, 69.4% save pct. 2.0 Goals Prevented, no beard #USL-C

I took a deep dive into Republic FC’s future. With Wilton Rancheria at the helm, a new stadium on the way, MLS expansion still possible, and USL launching Division One with pro/rel, Sacramento sits at a true crossroads.

When asked about his thoughts after Republic FC’s match in Loudoun, Nick Ross kept it blunt, “These Cup games are just about winning–it doesn’t matter how.” It wasn’t their best performances but Sacramento move on to the semifinals of the USL Jäegermeister Cup.

This is incredible support in the Bay, I wish I was available to make the trip for this match!

USL’s vote to launch a Division One league with promotion and relegation could reshape American soccer. But U.S. Soccer’s strict Division One requirements mean it may not be decided by results alone. In my latest piece I look at which clubs are ready, which aren’t, and how this compares to England.

When Republic FC announced a new stadium + Wilton Rancheria ownership, most assumed it was only about USL’s new Division One league. But today’s groundbreaking shows something else: MLS is potentially back in the picture.

With everything USL is doing to grow the sport, I am hoping for the team to remain in the league and lead the USL D1.

New Logo. New Look. Same Bird. Slightly more serious.

With Sacramento Republic FC off this week, attention shifts to a packed USL Championship schedule that could have major implications for the Western Conference standings.