While Major League Soccer (MLS) has focused on the creation of the Leagues Cup—a tournament that, despite its name, features only two leagues and undercuts the U.S. Open Cup—the United Soccer League (USL) has taken a different approach. The USL may have just sparked one of the most exciting shakeups in professional soccer in years with the expansion of its Jägermeister Cup.
The Jägermeister Cup unites clubs from the USL Championship and League One in a first-of-its-kind inter-league tournament in the United States. Starting in 2025, all 38 professional men’s clubs (24 Championship, 14 League One) will compete in a World Cup-style format during the regular season.
Entering its second year after a 2024 debut featuring only League One teams, the Cup will now include fan-favorite features such as penalty shootouts during group stages and goals scored as the primary tiebreaker. Matches begin on April 26 with six regional groups competing until July 26. The top eight teams will advance to knockout rounds, culminating in the Final on October 11.
The USL has also recently debated adopting a relegation format, something many believe could transform U.S. soccer by promoting inclusivity and competitive fairness. Events like the Jägermeister Cup create opportunities for smaller-market teams and League One clubs to excite their fanbases and give players increased exposure.
Cups like the U.S. Open Cup and the USL’s Jägermeister Cup are essential for supporting grassroots soccer. They serve as excellent platforms for players to grow, showcase their talent, and contribute to the broader development of the sport in the United States.
