Despite these setbacks, the USL experienced growth in the late 2010s, leading to a split of the professional leagues back into two in 2019.

A third men's pro league, tenatively named USL Division One, is currently being planned for a 2027–28 debut.

Two USL clubs, the Rochester Rhinos and the Richmond Kickers, have won the men's U.S. Open Cup.

[4] In 2009, several USL First Division clubs expressed dissatisfaction with the league's leadership and structure, leading to a significant split.

These clubs formed a breakaway competition called the North American Soccer League (NASL), which aimed to operate as a separate second division under the USSF.

In response, the USSF organized a temporary combined league in 2010 before officially sanctioning the NASL as a separate entity.

[8][9] On February 13, 2025, the USL announced plans to launch a Division I league in 2027 that would exist apart from MLS, pending USSF approval.

They also re-stated their desire to eventually introduce a promotion and relegation system like most other global soccer leagues.