The United Soccer League (USL) has reportedly hired Tony Scholes, the Premier League’s Chief Football Officer, to serve as President of its upcoming Division One men’s league — a landmark step toward reshaping the American soccer landscape.

According to multiple reports, including The Athletic and BVM Sports, Scholes will oversee the launch and operation of the USL’s new top-tier competition, which is targeting a 2028 debut. The league is expected to pursue official Division I sanctioning from U.S. Soccer, putting it on par with Major League Soccer.

In his new role, Scholes will help build the league’s structure, guide club development, and play a central role in introducing promotion and relegation across the USL’s professional tiers — a first in modern U.S. soccer. Reports suggest he could begin his new position in summer 2026, after completing the Premier League season.

The hiring signals a bold vision for the USL, which has steadily expanded its men’s and women’s pathways in recent years. With Scholes’ experience leading football operations in one of the world’s most competitive leagues, the organization appears intent on elevating its ambitions to a global standard.

About the USL Division One

The USL Division One league is the centerpiece of the USL’s long-term vision for a connected soccer ecosystem in the United States. Designed to complement the existing USL Championship and USL League One, it will serve as the top tier of a promotion-and-relegation system beginning as early as 2027. The project aims to create a sustainable, merit-based pyramid and expand professional soccer opportunities in communities across North America.