August 4 – The United Soccer League (USL), the second tier of US professional football, has announced an expanded 31-week season for 2018, with clubs playing 34 games.
In 2018 the USL will add new teams in Nashville, Fresno and Las Vegas. Played across two conferences (East and West), the USL expanded to 30 teams this season with the addition of Ottawa Fury FC, Reno 1868 FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Since 2014 the league has more than doubled in size and has even announced plans for the introduction of a third tier. The team allocations for the 2018 conferences will be announced later this year.
USL President Jake Edwards said: “We are very pleased the Board of Governors has approved the decision to expand the USL regular season to 34 games per club.
“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.”
The 2018 USL regular season will kick off on the weekend of March 16-18, with the regular season finishing on the weekend of October 12-14. The 16 qualifying teams for the USL Cup Playoffs will start October 19-21, with the 2018 USL Cup Final set for November 9-11.
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