USL’s Paul McDonough: promotion and relegation likely in US soccer by 2028

The USL president spoke to the Guardian shortly before officially announcing the league's historic vote

It's been a big few weeks for the USL. The organization that governs most of lower-division soccer in the United States made a splash by announcing its attention to start a new league at the same tier as MLS, and followed that up this week with another bombshell. The league's board, comprising owners in the two professional men's circuits (the second-division USL Championship and the third-division USL League One) voted to enact promotion and relegation within the USL ecosystem. If it comes to fruition, it will be the first time promotion and relegation will exist in the modern history of US soccer.

USL president Paul McDonough spoke to the Guardian shortly before the league officially announced the vote on Wednesday morning. Questions and answers have been lightly edited for clarity.