The Riverhounds flanked by their Steel Army fan club in 2023. Photo: Justin Berl/USSF/Getty Images
United Soccer League owners voted last week, with support from the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, to introduce promotion and relegation by 2028 as they prepare to launch a new top-tier soccer league.
Why it matters: If the Riverhounds perform well, the team could be rewarded with promotion to a higher league. A poor performance could lead to relegation to a lower league.
⚽️ How it works: With the existing USL Championship (second division) and USL League One (third division), USL Division One (first division) would create a pyramid structure for promotions and relegations.
Zoom in: The Riverhounds play in USL Championship at Highmark Stadium in Station Square.
What they're saying: Spokesperson Matt Gruba said the team supports promotion/relegation because it wants to play against top-tier competition.
"Pittsburgh fans want to see a winner, and they want to see a winner at the highest level," he said.
Caveat: Teams won't feel this change until USL launches their Division One League sometime in 2027-28.
