USL’s One Knox Strengthens Pathways for Tennessee Soccer

Professional soccer continues to grow across the country, and that momentum is being felt right here in Tennessee. With USL League One announcing the addition of a new club for the 2026 season, the American soccer pyramid is expanding again—opening more doors for players, coaches, and communities across the Southeast.

You can read the full league announcement here:
USL League One Announces New Club for 2026

What This Means for Tennessee

Tennessee is home to a rapidly developing soccer culture—between thriving youth clubs, growing high school participation, strong college programs, and Nashville SC holding down the MLS spotlight. Every expansion within the USL system strengthens the bridge between youth development and professional opportunity, especially for players looking to take the next step after club and high school soccer.

USL League One’s continued growth benefits Tennessee in several key ways:

• More professional opportunities close to home
  Tennessee players gain greater access to scouts, combines, and developmental pathways tied to USL.
• Stronger regional competition
  As the Southeast gains more professional clubs, the competitive level rises across the entire region.
• Clearer pathways for ambitious players
  Middle and East Tennessee continue to produce top youth talent, and expansions like this help create meaningful steps beyond youth and high school soccer.
• A boost to soccer communities statewide
  More teams mean more professional matches, more exposure, and more opportunities for Tennessee families to support and experience the game at a high level.

Why USL League One Matters

USL League One plays a crucial role in the U.S. soccer system. It connects grassroots soccer to the professional landscape, offering a competitive environment where young players can grow, coaches can advance, and emerging markets can become part of the national soccer map.

As Tennessee continues investing in player development, coaching education, and competitive club environments, expansions like this one reinforce that our state is part of a soccer ecosystem that is growing rapidly—and full of opportunity.

For full details on the new club joining in 2026, visit:
USL League One – Official Announcement