Austin FC and Major League Soccer (MLS) today formally announced that Austin FC will launch an MLS NEXT Pro team in 2023. Further details, including the team name, crest and home venue, will be announced in the coming months, along with the league’s competition and schedule format for 2023.
“We’re excited to announce the addition of an MLS NEXT Pro team in 2023,” said Austin FC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna. “The team will provide valuable competitive opportunities, and will play a key role in bridging the gap between the Austin FC Academy and First Team.”
In its inaugural season in 2022, MLS NEXT Pro consists of two (2) conferences with two (2) divisions each. Teams play 24 matches (12 home/12 away) across 26 weeks, with eight (8) teams making the playoffs at the end.
Austin FC’s MLS NEXT Pro team will be one of 28 teams competing in the league next season, and one of seven new teams alongside Atlanta United FC, Charlotte FC, Nashville SC, Los Angeles FC, LA Galaxy, and New York Red Bulls. To learn more about MLS NEXT Pro, visit https://www.mlsnextpro.com.
