How Has USL League One Changed Over the Years?

USL League One made its debut on March 29, 2019, when South Georgia Tormenta defeated Greenville Triumph 1-0.

Back then, the league featured MLS reserve teams, clubs that have since left the professional ranks, and just four teams that compete in League One today. Seven years later, the league has grown to 17 clubs and looks very different from its inaugural season.

To understand how the league has changed, we spoke with two players who have experienced that growth from different perspectives: a journeyman who has played for multiple clubs, and a player who left for the USL Championship before returning to League One.

We asked each of them what has changed the most since those early days.

The Journeyman: Jake Keegan

The 35-year-old striker began his career in Germany, Ireland, and Canada before joining Greenville Triumph in USL League One's inaugural 2019 season. Since then, he's also suited up for Forward Madison, One Knoxville, Northern Colorado Hailstorm, Portland Hearts of Pine, and now Corpus Christi FC.

With 32 regular-season goals, Keegan is tied for fourth on the league's all-time scoring list, even as he's transitioned from a regular starter into a veteran supporting role.

Keegan believes the league "has grown tremendously" since 2019.

"Every year the level of play improves both with new players coming in and with players who have been in the league since the early years," he told us.

He's noticed the growing number of players who use League One as a springboard to the USL Championship and establish themselves there.

"So many of the players moving up do well and end up staying there for a long time," he said, "it proves that the Championship clubs respect the level of play and the talent that the league produces."

Keegan also appreciates that League One gives players a platform to prove themselves at the professional level, something that previously did not exist on the same scale in the United States.

He also believes clubs across the league are better run than they were in the early years, creating more attractive opportunities for players. While he acknowledges there is still room for improvement, he said "as a player, it's exciting that we have double-digit well-run clubs."

Keegan finished by highlighting the improved professionalism of the modern League One experience.

"More clubs make you feel like a pro when you play for them or visit their stadium and city on an away day."

The Returnee: Jonathan Ricketts

The 28-year-old defender returned to USL League One this season after four years in the USL Championship, signing with AC Boise. He's been as productive as expected, making 14 appearances, 12 starts, and recording three assists.

Ricketts' previous stint in League One ended in 2021, when the league still featured four MLS reserve sides and several clubs that have since ceased operations.

Asked how the league has changed since then, Ricketts pointed to three areas: player compensation, club infrastructure, and on-field quality.

On compensation, Ricketts said there is "still room to grow," but he has noticed "higher standards being held, partly due to the work of the USLPA."

On infrastructure, he highlighted the fact that the league now has more permanent stadiums and training facilities, and has even more future stadium projects in the works.

Ricketts' first professional season came in 2020, when many clubs were playing in temporary or less-developed facilities. Today, more League One clubs operate in venues they own or control, though some still share facilities with baseball or high school teams even if the terms are more favorable.

Finally, Ricketts believes the quality of play has improved.

"I definitely feel like I see the level of the league getting better since then," he said.

Can USL League One Maintain its Growth?

With four teams tentatively set to join the league in 2027, we could see as many as 21 clubs along with the implementation of regional divisions.

Two of the new clubs, Sporting Cascades in Eugene, Oregon, and Fort Lauderdale United already have their own stadiums. Another, Port St. Lucie SC has a location at which it plans to construct one later this year. The fourth team, associated with Ventura County FC has not released any details about its stadium plans yet. The current MLS NextPro side, affiliated with LA Galaxy, plays at California Lutheran University.

However, for every two steps forward, the league seems to experience a step back. In 2026, five new teams joined, with three (Boise, Fort Wayne and Sarasota) playing in club-owned and/or operated facilities. NY Cosmos share a less-than-ideal stadium with a minor league baseball team, and Corpus Christi FC's stadium project appears stalled. The latter currently plays in a high school football stadium.

So while the level of play will continue to improve, it remains to be seen if the league can finally get to a point where it can enforce professional standards on stadiums across the board.

In any case, with better competition, more upward player movement and more professional facilities than ever before, there's no doubt this is an entirely different league than it was in 2019.