Exciting Developments in MLS NEXT Pro and U.S. Open Cup for 2025

The 2025 season of MLS NEXT Pro is set to kick off on March 7, marking the earliest start in the league’s history. This season will feature 29 clubs, including 27 MLS affiliates and two independent teams. Additionally, the New England Revolution will participate in the prestigious Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, expanding the competitive landscape for both leagues.

Key Takeaways

• Start Date: MLS NEXT Pro’s fourth season begins on March 7, 2025.
• Participating Teams: 29 clubs will compete, including 27 MLS affiliates and 2 independent teams.
• U.S. Open Cup: New England Revolution confirmed participation in the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

MLS NEXT Pro Overview

MLS NEXT Pro, launched in 2022, serves as a developmental league for Major League Soccer (MLS). The 2025 season will consist of 406 matches, with each club playing 28 games—14 at home and 14 away—over a span of 30 weeks. The league aims to provide a pathway for players to transition from youth soccer to professional levels.

Schedule Format

• Total Matches: 406
• Games Per Club: 28 (14 home, 14 away)
• Decision Day: October 5, 2025, featuring 28 of the 29 clubs competing to determine playoff positions.

Participating Teams

The league will include a mix of MLS-affiliated teams and independent clubs. Here’s a breakdown of the divisions:

Western Conference

• Pacific Division: LAFC 2, Real Monarchs, Timbers2, Tacoma Defiance, The Town FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2, Ventura County FC
• Frontier Division: Austin FC II, Colorado Rapids 2, Houston Dynamo 2, MNUFC2, North Texas SC, Sporting KC II, St. Louis CITY2

Eastern Conference

• Southeast Division: Atlanta United 2, Carolina Core FC, Chattanooga FC, Crown Legacy FC, Huntsville City FC, Inter Miami CF II, Orlando City B
• Northeast Division: FC Cincinnati 2, Chicago Fire FC II, Columbus Crew 2, New England Revolution II, NYCFC II, New York Red Bulls II, Philadelphia Union II, TFC II

U.S. Open Cup Participation

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a prestigious knockout tournament in American soccer. In 2025, the New England Revolution will be one of 16 MLS teams participating, entering the tournament in the Round of 32. This year, the number of MLS teams in the tournament has increased from 8 to 16, with 10 MLS NEXT Pro teams also competing.

U.S. Open Cup Format

• MLS Teams: 16 teams will enter in the Round of 32.
• MLS NEXT Pro Teams: 10 teams will compete in the First Round.
• Qualification: U.S.-based MLS clubs not participating in the Leagues Cup or Concacaf Champions Cup automatically qualify.

Conclusion

The 2025 season promises to be an exciting year for both MLS NEXT Pro and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. With a robust schedule and increased participation, fans can look forward to thrilling matches and the emergence of new talent in American soccer.

Sources

• MLS NEXT Pro’s fourth season to kick off March 7 | MLSSoccer.com, MLSsoccer.com.
• Revolution II Announce Schedule for 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Season | New England Revolution, revolutionsoccer.net.
• Revolution Will Participate in 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup | New England Revolution, revolutionsoccer.net.
• Sporting KC II and MLS NEXT Pro announce 2025 regular season schedule  | Sporting Kansas City, Sporting Kansas City.
• Minnesota United to Compete in Both Leagues Cup and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2025 | Minnesota United FC, Minnesota United FC.