The program’s top tier will now be named the MLS NEXT Homegrown Division, with the new tier introduced as the MLS NEXT Academy Division

MLS NEXT Fest to expand to more than 1,000 teams, marking the largest youth soccer scouting and recruiting event in North America

NEW YORK (Thursday, August 21, 2025) – Ahead of a transformative 2025-26 season, MLS NEXT today announced the new names for both competition tiers. The top tier of MLS NEXT will now be called the MLS NEXT Homegrown Division, with the new competition tier introduced as the MLS NEXT Academy Division. Through the addition of the Academy Division, the program will more than double its number of participating players and clubs, strengthening its position as the most elite platform for youth soccer in North America.

This expansi

See Full Page