Miguel Almirón Returns to Atlanta United: A Homecoming Celebration 
MLS NEXT Pro is gearing up for an exciting fourth season, set to commence on March 7, 2025. This season marks the earliest start in the league’s history, featuring 29 clubs, including 27 MLS affiliates and two independent teams. Fans can look forward to a packed schedule of matches, innovative playoff formats, and enhanced viewing options through the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Key Takeaways
- Season Start: March 7, 2025, is the kickoff date for the fourth season.
- Clubs Participating: 29 teams, including 27 MLS-affiliated and 2 independent.
- Match Format: Each club will play 28 matches over 30 weeks.
- Viewing Options: Matches will be available on MLS Season Pass and MLSNEXTPro.com.
Overview Of The Season
The 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season will consist of 406 matches, with each club playing 28 games—14 at home and 14 away. The schedule is designed to maximize competition, allowing clubs to face divisional opponents up to three times.
The season will kick off with an exciting opening weekend featuring 12 matches across three days. Notable matchups include:
- Opening Night (March 7): Ventura County FC vs. Tacoma Defiance
- March 8: Houston Dynamo 2 vs. Sporting Kansas City II
- March 9: LAFC2 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
Playoff Format
The playoffs will begin on October 17, 2025, featuring a unique Pick-Your-Opponent format that has been well-received since its introduction. This format allows the top seeds to select their opponents in the first round, adding an exciting strategic element to the playoffs.
Conference Alignment
The league is divided into two conferences:
Western Conference
- Frontier Division: Austin FC II, Colorado Rapids 2, Houston Dynamo 2, MNUFC2, North Texas SC, Sporting KC II, St. Louis CITY2
- Pacific Division: LAFC 2, Real Monarchs, Timbers2, Tacoma Defiance, The Town FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2, Ventura County FC
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
Viewing Experience
For the third consecutive year, the majority of regular season matches, along with all playoff games and the MLS NEXT Pro Cup, will be available to watch live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. This service is accessible in over 100 countries and regions, ensuring fans can enjoy the action from anywhere.
Conclusion
As MLS NEXT Pro prepares for its fourth season, excitement is building among fans and players alike. With a robust schedule, innovative playoff formats, and enhanced viewing options, the league is set to continue its mission of developing soccer talent and engaging communities across North America. Fans can look forward to thrilling matches and the emergence of new stars in the coming season.
Sources
- Sporting KC II and MLS NEXT Pro announce 2025 regular season schedule | Sporting KC II, Sporting Kansas City.
- New York Red Bulls II Announce 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Schedule | New York Red Bulls II, New York Red Bulls.
- MLS NEXT Pro’s fourth season to kick off March 7 | MLSSoccer.com, MLSsoccer.com.
