It appears that the conception of a Division III U.S. professional soccer league is slated to begin as early as 2018. Organized by former Chicago Fire general manager Peter Wilt, the National Independent Soccer Association has commitments lined up from 10 markets, with the potential to expand to 24 teams within the next 5 years.
Currently, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) consists of two main divisions: MLS, and Division II, which comprises both the North American Soccer League (NASL) and the United Soccer League (USL). The divide between this second division and the lower leagues, such as the PDL and NPSL, is so vast that the creation of a professional Division III would be a welcome sight for United States soccer fans, and could help with the development of homegrown players, giving them a logical stepping stone between playing on the collegiate level and playing in the top flight.