The United Soccer League is set for a milestone vote on the adoption of a promotion and relegation system in the lower divisions of the men’s soccer structure.

A move to an open system including promotion and relegation would boost interest, sustainability, and growth potential in the lower-division landscape of American soccer and will create fairness for those who win their respective leagues.

USL owners’ set for vote next month

According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, owners of USL clubs are set to vote next month on August 9 in Colorado Springs. If enacted, the USL would be the first open professional league system in U.S. soccer history.

The USL was first founded in 1986 and whilst specifics are yet to be refined, the league is exploring creating an additional tier between Championship and League One’s current standing with the current asking fee for entry into League One, the third tier of US Soccer, reportedly $5m.