In 2020, we wrote about a proposal discussed by an NCAA soccer committee to reduce the college soccer regular-season schedule – for both the men and women – from 25 to 23 total matches but would expand the campaign across the entire school year – i.e. fall and spring. In 2023, we wrote that the NCAA rejected the idea, despite the support of NCAA soccer head coaches. Well, it has been a contentious five years with coaches battling administrators but it looks like the dam has finally broken. With the advent of NIL and the desire to grow soccer and support player safety, it appears that this concept is a likelyhood, as soon as the 2026-27 season for men’s soccer. Women’s soccer is taking a wait-and-see approach.
A split season, relegation and professionalization seemed to be distant thought, especially when it came to college soccer. However, just like all college sports, change is coming at a frenetic pace. As soon as next season, all of this could be a reality as US Soccer dangles a ten-million dollar carrot at NCAA college soccer. Our sources confirm college soccer is on the verge of a major transformation.
In alignment with our sources, Keystone Sports reports a high-level summary of the changes coming for collegiate soccer. Their account validates our understanding as well. They cite the following four changes coming to the pitch at DU and across the NCAA:
What Are the Major Changes Proposed by US Soccer?
- Extending college soccer season
Under this model, the season will begin in August and finish in April, with a winter break between December and January and a national championship held in May. Matches would be played on weekends, rather than having multiple games in a week. This aligns college soccer with professional schedules seen in European leagues and MLS.
- Regionalization
The proposal suggests that college soccer should separate from the usual conference system and create four big regional leagues, each with about 50–54 teams. Each region would have two competitive levels: a top tier and a lower tier. In the top level, there would be two divisions of nine teams each, while the lower level would include four divisions organized geographically.
Throughout the year, teams would play other universities in their division twice, plus a few matches against teams from outside their division. There will be a total of 18–22 games in the season.
- Promotion-relegation model
This system would allow teams to move up or down between tiers based on their performance, just like in professional leagues around the world.
- More professional opportunities
Right now, college athletes can’t play with professional clubs. The new model would change that, allowing players to train or play with professional teams in the offseason without losing eligibility. U.S. Soccer also suggests letting athletes who have played professionally return to college soccer.
What Are the Benefits of These Reforms?
The US Soccer proposal would bring many benefits to college soccer, including:
- Improved student-athlete experience with more rest and better competition balance.
- Better player development through longer, higher-quality seasons.
- Reduced travel costs thanks to regional leagues.
- Stronger professional pathways, allowing players to connect with clubs in MLS, USL, or even abroad.
- Enhanced visibility and commercial growth with better broadcasting opportunities.
If accurate, Denver would be aligned to the western region, joining WCC foes as well as other NCAA DI soccer teams. While exact details are sketchy at this point, we expect further clarification once the season ends.
LetsGoDU has always been in favor of this change to create a better playing environment for fans and players. Plus, this move applies greater visibility to college soccer with the same or fewer matches in a less compressed timeframe.