On August 27, 2009, Nike agreed to sell their stake in the United Soccer Leagues to investment company NuRock, instead of Jeff Cooper, who had aligned with a group of USL First Division team owners.

The leagues sued each other, but ultimately withdrew their lawsuits and agreed to mediate with the United States Soccer Federation.

This resulted in a thirty-game season for each team, and had the additional advantage of reducing travel costs.

In addition, the remaining six teams with the highest point totals, regardless of conference, also advanced to the playoffs.

In the event that the aggregate score is tied after the second game of the series, the teams played two 15-minutes periods of extra time.