The United Soccer League (USL) will once again expand its schedule for the 2018 season, extending the length to 31 weeks with 34 games per team, partly to accommodate an expansion to 33 teams.
Three new teams are on tap for the 2018 season — Fresno, Las Vegas and Nashville.
In other news from the league’s Mid-Season Meetings in Chicago, the USL will go with only two conferences for 2018. It had been reported that the circuit was looking at a shift to a three-conference setup for 2018 or 2019.
“We are very pleased the Board of Governors has approved the decision to expand the USL regular season to 34 games per club,” said USL President Jake Edwards in a press statement. “The league’s commitment to club services, broadcast and various strategic initiatives combined with the continued investment of our owners into the clubs have produced record attendance this season. An additional home match now provides a significant revenue opportunity as attendance continues to grow.
“Next year’s expanded season, highlighted by three new clubs that will join the USL in 2018, will deliver even more first-class soccer excitement to even more fans across North America.”
The 2018 will run through, October 12-14, with the the 2018 USL Cup Final scheduled for the weekend of November 9-11.
Image courtesy LA Galaxy II.