Confirming reporting by the Athletic from the beginning of June, MLS released plans to launch a brand new 3rd Division development league beginning in 2022 alongside the MLS regular season. Teams will play a 20-26 match schedule plus playoffs from March to December.
“We are excited to launch a new league to complete the professional pathway between our academies and the MLS first teams,” said MLS President and Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott in a league release. “In addition to providing more opportunities for MLS-caliber players, the new league will develop a diverse talent pool of coaches, referees and front office executives while also attracting fans who previously were unable to support a local club in their hometown.