The United Soccer League (USL) is betting big on a bold idea: introducing promotion and relegation to American soccer by 2026. It’s a move that challenges the closed-league structure entrenched in U.S. sports—and could change the game forever.
In this episode, host Christina Unkel sits down with Kim Shelton, CEO of Lexington Sporting Club, one of the most ambitious new clubs in the country. With professional men's and women’s teams, deep youth investment, and a 150-acre campus, Lexington SC is building a future from the ground up—just as the sport faces a structural revolution.
Could Lexington be the next Wrexham? And can American fans embrace a system built on risk, reward, and relentless competition? This conversation unpacks what pro/rel could mean for U.S. soccer—from business to community to culture.
Timestamps:
⏳ 00:00– 00.37 The highs and lows of promotion and relegation 🎩
⏳ 00:37 – 02:23 A brief history of U.S. Soccer - the booms, busts, passions and flirtations ⚽
⏳ 02.23 – 08.51 Welcome to Lexington.⚽
⏳ 08.51 – 14.21 So let's talk more about this promotion and relegation business ⚽
⏳ 14.21 – 17.12 Winning delivers fans, and fans deserve a good product ⚽
⏳ 17.12 – 18.50 But what happens if you get relegated? ⚽
⏳ 18.50 – 20.30 How will the giants of American sport react? The NFL, MLB, NBA and NCAA?⚽
⏳ 20.30 – 22.34 What about NWSL and MLS? ⚽
⏳ 22.34 – 25.34 Christina's Conclusions ⚽
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