List of National Premier Soccer League teams

The list of National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) teams enumerates the 92 member clubs competing in the league's 2025 season, organized across 17 regional conferences spanning the United States.^[1] The NPSL, founded in 2003 as the successor to the Men's Premier Soccer League (MPSL) established in 2002, operates as a semi-professional men's soccer league sanctioned by the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) and affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).^[2]
This structure allows teams to participate in a competitive environment that emphasizes player development, community engagement, and a sustainable business model to grow soccer nationwide.^[2]
Designated as a Tier 1 league by the USASA on November 18, 2022, the NPSL supports over 90 clubs in fostering talent pathways and inspiring local soccer communities, with aspirations to expand to more than 100 profitable teams across 100 communities.^[2]
The teams, drawn from diverse regions including the Midwest, West Coast, Southeast, and Northeast, feature a blend of longstanding organizations like Cleveland SC and El Farolito alongside emerging clubs, highlighting the league's role in broadening access to high-level adult soccer.^[1]

Overview

League Background

The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) traces its origins to 2003, when it was established as the Men's Premier Soccer League (MPSL) with an initial six teams concentrated in the western United States.^[2] The league rebranded to the NPSL in 2005 amid its first major expansion into the Midwest, marking a shift toward a more national footprint.^[3] Subsequent growth accelerated with the addition of a Northeast Conference in 2007, followed by steady nationwide development that positioned the NPSL as one of the fastest-expanding soccer leagues in the country.^[4] By the 2025 season, the league supported 76 teams across multiple regions. As a semi-professional league, the NPSL is officially affiliated with the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) and offers automatic qualification berths to the U.S. Open Cup for its top performers.^[5] In November 2022, it earned Tier 1 designation from the USASA—the highest tier in U.S. adult amateur soccer—under the oversight of the U.S. Soccer Federation, affirming its standards in player development and competition integrity.^[6] The NPSL's championship history began with the Arizona Sahuaros claiming the inaugural title in 2003 after defeating the Utah Salt Ratz 2–1 in extra time.^[7] Miami FC stands out with the most titles, securing back-to-back wins in 2018 (via its reserve team, Miami FC 2, over FC Motown 3–1) and 2019 (over New York Cosmos B 3–1).^[7] Hickory FC won the 2025 national championship, defeating El Farolito 3–2 on August 2, 2025.^[8]

Organizational Structure

The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) is geographically organized into four regions—Northeast, Midwest, South, and West—which collectively house 11 conferences as of the 2025 season.^[9] These regions facilitate localized competition while enabling a national playoff pathway: the Northeast includes the Keystone East, Keystone West, Mid-Atlantic, and North Atlantic conferences; the Midwest comprises the Central States, Great Lakes, and North conferences; the South features the Gulf Coast Sunshine, Lone Star, and Southeast conferences; and the West consists of the Golden Gate Conference.^[1] Conferences operate without internal divisions, with member teams competing in a regular-season schedule primarily against intra-conference opponents, typically ranging from 8 to 12 matches per team. The top four teams from each conference advance to single-elimination conference playoffs to determine regional qualifiers, which then proceed to regional semifinals and finals; the four regional champions compete in national semifinals and a final to crown the NPSL champion.^[9] The league functions as a semi-professional competition, open to clubs that apply annually for membership through the NPSL's expansion process, which evaluates organizational stability, financial viability, and competitive readiness.^[4] Eligible teams draw players aged 18 and older from college soccer programs, amateur leagues, and post-collegiate ranks, allowing participants to maintain NCAA eligibility where applicable while pursuing professional development opportunities.^[10] In the 2025 season, 76 teams participated across the conferences, with the regular season running from March 17 to July 5, followed by postseason play through late July.^[1][9] The league continues to expand, with Santa Cruz FC having joined the North Atlantic Conference in 2025, and Statesville FC and Sun City FC slated for entry in 2026.^[11][12][13]

Current Teams (2025 Season)

Central States Conference

The Central States Conference was established for the 2025 season within the National Premier Soccer League's Midwest Region, serving as a new division to support the league's expansion efforts in the central Midwest by grouping teams from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.^[1] This structure allows for focused regional competition among emerging and established clubs, promoting development in urban and suburban areas of these states.^[14] The conference includes six teams, each contributing to the region's growing soccer landscape through community engagement and player pathways.

• FC Milwaukee Torrent, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, joined the NPSL as a full member in 2017 following a successful provisional season.^[15]
• FC Pride Elite, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, joined the league in 2024 as an expansion team and debuted in the 2025 season.^[16]
• Gio's Lions SC Chicago, from Chicago, Illinois, joined in 2024 to represent the city's East Side community in professional-level amateur soccer.^[17]
• Michigan Rangers FC, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, joined as an expansion team in 2023.^[18]
• Southern Indiana Guardians FC, situated in Floyds Knobs, Indiana, joined the NPSL in 2023 and began competitive play in 2024.
• Wisconsin Conquerors FC, located in Middleton, Wisconsin, joined as an expansion team in 2023 and commenced play in 2024.^[19]

Golden Gate Conference

The Golden Gate Conference represents the National Premier Soccer League's (NPSL) West Region for the 2025 season, consisting exclusively of seven California-based teams that underscore the state's dominance in semi-professional soccer on the Pacific Coast.^[1] This division highlights Northern and Central California's vibrant soccer community, with clubs drawing from diverse immigrant and local talent pools to compete in a compact regional structure.^[1] Unlike multi-state conferences in the East and Midwest, the Golden Gate focuses solely on in-state rivalries, fostering intense Bay Area and valley matchups.^[20] The teams in the conference are:

Great Lakes Conference

The Great Lakes Conference is a division within the National Premier Soccer League's (NPSL) Midwest Region, encompassing teams from communities in New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania adjacent to the Great Lakes. For the 2025 season, the conference consists of eight clubs that compete in a double round-robin schedule, with the top four advancing to conference playoffs and potentially to the Midwest Region tournament for a chance at national qualification.^[1] The league emphasizes regional rivalries, drawing on local talent and fostering community engagement in soccer-stronghold cities.^[35] The following table lists the current teams, their home locations, and year of entry into the NPSL: Ambassadors FC Ohio, based in Canton, entered the NPSL as an expansion franchise, focusing on developing regional talent through community partnerships and playing at Dr. David & Winnie King Field at Malone University. The club aims to build a competitive presence in northeast Ohio's soccer scene.^[36][43] Buffalo Stallions, located in Buffalo, revived a historic name from the city's 1979–1984 Major Indoor Soccer League era upon joining the NPSL. The team emphasizes youth development and local pride, competing to establish a foothold in western New York's professional-amateur soccer landscape.^[37][44] Cleveland SC, from Cleveland, has been a mainstay since its inception, qualifying for playoffs in every season and reaching national semifinals in 2021. Owned by local entrepreneur Samuel Seibert, the club plays at George Finnie Stadium and prioritizes high-energy matches against regional rivals.^[38][45] Erie Commodores FC, based in Erie, is one of the conference's veteran clubs, having rebranded in 2015 from Erie FC to honor the city's maritime history. The team, which plays at Erie Sports Center, has consistently contended for conference titles and focuses on blending collegiate and local players.^[39] Flower City Union, Rochester's representative, transitioned from the National Independent Soccer Association in 2024 after winning that league's 2023 championship. The fan-driven club, playing at Rochester Community Sports Complex, brings professional experience and aims to elevate the conference's profile.^[40][46] Niagara 1812, from Niagara Falls, debuted in 2024 as an expansion side, drawing its name from the War of 1812 border history. The club, now hosting at Niagara University, seeks to capture cross-border interest with a focus on accessible, family-oriented matches.^[41] Rochester NY FC Academy, also in Rochester, joined as a 2025 expansion team rooted in the area's longstanding youth soccer programs, evolving from the Rochester Junior Rhinos founded in 1998. It emphasizes player pathways from academy levels to senior competition at the same venue as Flower City Union.^[47] Syracuse FC, based in Syracuse, has competed since 2017, building a reputation for gritty performances in upstate New York derbies. Playing at Camden High School, the club integrates local university talent and maintains steady attendance through community outreach.^[42][48] In the 2025 season, Flower City Union topped the conference standings with an 8-0-2 record, advancing to the national playoffs alongside Ambassadors FC Ohio, Rochester NY FC Academy, and Erie Commodores FC. The conference's structure allows winners to progress through the Midwest Region playoffs, contributing to the NPSL's emphasis on geographic efficiency in postseason play.^[9]

Gulf Coast Sunshine Conference

The Gulf Coast Sunshine Conference comprises eight teams for the 2025 National Premier Soccer League season, with a strong emphasis on clubs from Florida, underscoring the state's emergence as a major hub for semi-professional soccer development along the southeastern U.S. coast.^[49] This conference, part of the NPSL's South Region, highlights the coastal orientation of the league's southern divisions.^[1] Seven of the teams are based in Florida, reflecting the region's abundant talent pools, youth academies, and year-round playing conditions that foster competitive play.^[49]

Keystone East Conference

The Keystone East Conference, established in 2023 as part of the National Premier Soccer League's (NPSL) East Region, comprises teams primarily from New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, facilitating localized competition and player development in one of the Northeast's most densely populated soccer markets.^[61] This division supports the broader organizational structure of the NPSL by emphasizing pro-amateur pathways in urban centers like the New York-Philadelphia corridor, where clubs draw from established youth systems and community leagues to build competitive rosters.^[62] By hosting matches in accessible venues, the conference enhances fan engagement and talent pipelines, contributing to the league's growth in the region amid increasing participation in semi-professional soccer.^[63] The conference features six teams for the 2025 season, each with ties to local soccer ecosystems:

• FC Motown (Morristown, New Jersey): Founded in 2012 and joining the NPSL in 2018 through a merger with Clarkstown SC Eagles, FC Motown has emerged as a powerhouse, securing multiple Keystone Conference titles including the 2022 national championship and the 2023 and 2024 Keystone East crowns.^[64][65][66] The club plays home games at Drew University and emphasizes community involvement, blending professional aspirations with amateur roots.^[67]
• Jackson Lions FC (Jackson, New Jersey): Established in 2014 in the Garden State Soccer League, the Lions joined the NPSL as an expansion team in 2022, bringing south Jersey's competitive spirit to the professional-amateur level.^[68] They compete at Donovan Catholic High School, focusing on regional talent development and partnerships with higher-division clubs like FC Monmouth.^[69]
• New Jersey United AC (Elizabeth, New Jersey): An expansion club that entered the NPSL in 2024, New Jersey United AC represents the growing soccer scene in Union County, playing at home fields in the area and prioritizing local player integration.^[70] In their debut season, they advanced to the Keystone East Conference final, showcasing rapid competitiveness.^[71]
• Players Development Academy (PDA) (Lawrenceville, New Jersey): A premier youth academy since 1998, PDA joined the NPSL in 2025 to extend its elite training model into senior semi-professional play, utilizing facilities like Nolan Stadium at Notre Dame High School.^[72] The club's entry strengthens youth-to-adult pathways in central New Jersey, aligning with its history of national youth success.^[73]
• Philadelphia Union DS (Chester, Pennsylvania): Launched in 2023 as an NPSL expansion team affiliated with Major League Soccer's Philadelphia Union, the Development Squad serves as a bridge for academy prospects, playing at or near Subaru Park to integrate with the club's MLS Next Pro side, Union II.^[74] This setup provides high-level exposure for emerging talents in the Philadelphia metro area.^[75]
• WC Predators (West Chester, Pennsylvania): Part of the West Chester United SC organization, which joined the NPSL in 2017, the Predators compete in the Keystone East as an elite amateur side, drawing from the club's longstanding over-30 and open-age programs founded in 2008.^[76][77] They play at West Chester United Soccer Club fields and have contributed players to national amateur successes, including the 2025 USASA National Amateur Cup.^[78]

Keystone West Conference

The Keystone West Conference is one of the sub-conferences within the Northeast Region of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), focusing on teams from central and western Pennsylvania to facilitate regional competition and geographic balance. Formed in 2023 through the division of the original Keystone Conference, the split aimed to address growing participation and optimize travel logistics for the eastern teams in the league.^[61] This structure aligns with the Northeast Region's approach to clustering teams by proximity, enhancing competitive play among semi-professional and developmental squads.^[62] For the 2025 season, the conference features five teams, all based in Pennsylvania and representing a mix of established clubs and newer entrants to the NPSL. These teams compete in a round-robin format from May to July, with the top performers advancing to regional playoffs. The conference emphasizes community ties, player development, and high-level amateur soccer in the Keystone State.

• Electric City Shock SC (Scranton, PA): Founded as an expansion team in the NPSL's Keystone Conference, the club joined the league in 2014 and plays home matches at Fitzpatrick Field or Weiss Field. Known for its gritty style and local fan support in the Electric City region, the team has qualified for playoffs multiple times, including a semifinal appearance in 2022.^[79][80]
• Hershey FC (Hershey, PA): Established in 2012 as part of the Hershey Soccer Club's semi-professional arm, the team competes at Hershey High School Stadium and focuses on bridging collegiate and professional pathways for players. A staple in the Keystone Conference since its inception, Hershey FC has built a reputation for competitive seasons and community engagement in central Pennsylvania.^[81][82]
• Pennsylvania Classics (Lancaster, PA): The NPSL affiliate of the Pennsylvania Classics youth academy joined the league in 2022 as an expansion team in the Keystone Conference, playing at the Nook Soccer Complex. The club prioritizes player progression from its academy system, fielding rosters of recent college graduates and aiming to elevate local talent in Lancaster County.^[83][84]
• Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals (Philadelphia, PA): A historic ethnic club founded in 1950 by Ukrainian immigrants to preserve cultural heritage through soccer, it entered the NPSL in 2022 after decades in lower divisions and amateur leagues, including multiple American Soccer League titles in the 1960s. Based in the Philadelphia area with home games at a local venue, the team blends tradition with modern semi-pro competition.^[85][86]
• West Chester United SC (West Chester, PA): Joining the NPSL in 2017 from local leagues, the club—affiliated with the broader West Chester United youth program—plays at West Chester United Soccer Club fields and has emerged as a playoff contender, including a 2025 USASA National Amateur Cup victory featuring NPSL talent. The team emphasizes defensive solidity and regional rivalries in suburban Philadelphia.^[76][78]

Lone Star Conference

The Lone Star Conference, established in 2018 as part of the National Premier Soccer League's (NPSL) South Region, primarily features teams from Texas, reflecting the state's dominant soccer presence in the southwestern United States, with recent expansions incorporating clubs from Arkansas and Oklahoma to broaden regional competition.^[87] This Texas-heavy composition underscores the conference's role in fostering semi-professional soccer development across arid and urban areas of the Southwest, aligning with the NPSL's emphasis on regional focus within its national structure.^[1]

Mid-Atlantic Conference

The Mid-Atlantic Conference is one of the regional divisions within the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), featuring teams from the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) metropolitan area, which forms the southern extension of the league's Northeast Region.^[1] Established to foster competitive semi-professional soccer in this densely populated corridor, the conference has grown significantly since 2018, driven by the addition of expansion franchises that enhance local player pathways and community engagement in the DMV region.^[102][103] By the 2025 season, it includes nine active teams, reflecting the area's rising soccer infrastructure and talent pool.^[1] The following table lists the current teams in the Mid-Atlantic Conference for the 2025 season, including their locations and year of joining the NPSL: These teams compete in a single-table format during the regular season, with matches typically hosted at local stadiums and universities to promote accessibility and fan involvement.^[20] The conference's expansion since 2018 has been marked by the influx of DMV-based clubs, such as DMV Elite FC and District Elite FC, which have contributed to increased regional rivalries and attendance.^[102][103]

North Conference

The North Conference is the northernmost division within the NPSL's Midwest Region, encompassing teams from the upper Midwest plains states of Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota, and was established through a league-wide realignment ahead of the 2020 season.^[104] This conference highlights the region's rural and community-driven soccer landscape, where teams often contend with harsh weather conditions that test player resilience and fan dedication during the summer season.^[1] For the 2025 season, the North Conference features six teams, each contributing to the growth of semi-professional soccer in the northern prairies.

North Atlantic Conference

The North Atlantic Conference is a competitive division in the East Region of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), encompassing teams primarily from Connecticut and the New York metropolitan area to support regional soccer development. Formed in 2016 as part of the league's efforts to expand semi-professional play in the northeastern United States, the conference has seen steady growth, particularly in New England, with expansions adding new clubs in recent seasons to enhance local rivalries and fan engagement.^[116][1] For the 2025 season, it features five teams, reflecting the area's increasing soccer infrastructure and talent pool. The conference's teams for 2025 are:

• Hartford City FC (Hartford, CT; joined 2017): Founded in 2016, this club was announced as an NPSL expansion team ahead of the 2017 season and has become a staple in Connecticut soccer, playing home games at Trinity Health Stadium with a focus on community involvement and developing local talent.^[117][118]
• New York Shockers (Colonie, NY; joined 2021): Established as an expansion franchise in the North Atlantic Conference, the Shockers compete at Afrim's Sports Park and emphasize providing opportunities for regional players, marking their presence with playoff appearances including the 2024 conference final.^[119][120]
• New Haven United FC (New Haven, CT; joined 2025): As a 2025 expansion team, this club brings semi-professional soccer to Yale University's home area, aiming to unite the community through high-level amateur competition and featuring elite college and post-college athletes in matches at the John Danzi Soccer Fields.^[121][122]
• American Soccer Club New York (New York, NY; joined 2025): Announced in late 2024, this new entrant from the heart of New York City debuted in the NPSL to elevate local soccer, with a roster blending recent professionals and academy graduates, playing at various urban venues to build a passionate fanbase.^[123][124]
• Osner's FC (Brooklyn, NY; joined 2025): Launched as a 2025 addition with roots in community outreach since 2015, the club plays at Belson Stadium on St. John's University campus and prioritizes social impact alongside competitive play in the conference.^[125]

Southeast Conference

The Southeast Conference of the National Premier Soccer League features eight teams for the 2025 season, primarily based in the Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont regions across Tennessee and North Carolina, fostering competitive soccer in underserved inland areas of the Southeast. Established as part of the league's South Region, the conference highlights regional expansion through successive team additions, contributing to increased fan engagement and youth development pathways in these communities.^[1] The teams compete in a balanced schedule, with matches emphasizing local rivalries and community involvement, such as home games at municipal stadiums and high school fields to build grassroots support. This structure supports the NPSL's model of semi-professional play, where rosters blend collegiate talent, local amateurs, and international players to promote accessible, high-level competition.^[20]

Former Teams

Defunct Teams

The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) has experienced significant turnover since its founding in 2003, with numerous teams ceasing operations due to financial instability, low attendance, player shortages, or successful promotion to higher divisions.^[142] Early defunct teams include the Pennsylvania Stoners, which operated from 2008 to 2009 in the Keystone Division before ceasing due to ownership changes and instability.^[143] In the 2010s, examples of folded teams highlight ongoing issues with attendance and logistics. The Detroit Arsenal, active from 2005 to 2006, announced a hiatus for 2007 from which it never returned, despite earlier success as 2005 NPSL champions.^[144] The San Diego Flash, which joined in 2011 and played through 2015, attempted relocation but ultimately failed and ceased operations in 2016 due to unresolved ownership and financial challenges.^[145] More recent cases often involve promotion rather than outright collapse, contributing to teams exiting the NPSL. Chattanooga FC competed from 2009 to 2019 before moving to the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) in 2020.^[146] Likewise, Detroit City FC transitioned out after the 2019 season, promoted to USL League One in 2020 and later the USL Championship.^[147] In recent years, several teams have similarly advanced to professional leagues, underscoring promotion as a positive exit pathway amid broader financial pressures affecting the NPSL.

Relocated or Rebranded Teams

Several National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) teams have undergone relocations or rebrands to adapt to changing market conditions, improve fan engagement, or align with broader strategic goals, while preserving operational continuity within the league. These changes distinguish them from fully defunct clubs, as the teams typically retain core ownership, staff, or player pathways post-transition. Relocations often target areas with stronger infrastructure or larger audiences, whereas rebrands frequently focus on modernizing identities to appeal to diverse demographics. One prominent example of combined relocation and rebranding occurred with the Oakland Stompers. Originally established in 2012 as the Stompers in the NPSL's Golden Gate Conference, the club relocated from Oakland to Hayward, California, in 2016 and rebranded as East Bay FC Stompers to reflect its new regional focus and secure better facilities.^[148] This move aimed to strengthen community ties in the East Bay area while maintaining competitive presence in the West Region. By 2025, the team had reverted to the Oakland Stompers name, signaling a return to its roots and continued participation in the Golden Gate Conference.^[1] Similarly, Ozark FC underwent a significant relocation and rebrand in 2022, moving from Northwest Arkansas to Kansas City, Kansas, and adopting the name Sunflower State FC to better represent its new Midwestern base and tap into a larger soccer market.^[149] The change facilitated access to improved training grounds and fan support, allowing the club to compete effectively in the Gateway Conference during its NPSL tenure. Although Sunflower State FC later transitioned to USL League Two in 2025, its NPSL period exemplified how such shifts can enhance viability before upward mobility.^[150] Rebrands without relocation have also been common for marketing purposes. In 2023, Pittsburgh Hotspurs rebranded as Steel City FC to evoke Pittsburgh's industrial heritage and broaden appeal beyond niche audiences, while remaining in the [Rust Belt](/page/Rust Belt) Conference.^[151] This neutral, city-centric identity helped boost attendance and sponsorships, contributing to strong performances, including a conference championship, before the men's team advanced to USL League Two. Such evolutions often prioritize inclusive branding over ethnically or regionally specific names to foster wider community involvement. Notable league-wide patterns since the NPSL's 2003 inception include several teams relocating to optimize logistics or demographics, with rebrands typically driven by efforts to neutralize identities for commercial growth—shifting from specialized monikers to those emphasizing local pride or universality. For instance, Miami FC utilized the NPSL as a bridge from 2018 to 2019, winning two national championships during a transitional period after the NASL's collapse, before ascending to NISA and later USL Championship.^[152] Virginia Beach City FC restructured from an amateur foundation into a full NPSL professional outfit in 2019, enhancing its Mid-Atlantic presence with a focus on regional development pathways.^[153] These adaptations underscore the NPSL's role as a developmental platform, with many rebranded or relocated teams now appearing in active conference rosters, sustaining the league's expansion amid competitive flux.