What United Soccer League changes mean for the Richmond Kickers

The big picture: USL owners voted last week to introduce promotion and relegation (basically demotion) by 2028 as they prepare to launch a new top-tier soccer league.

• The vote followed last month's USL announcement that it plans to launch a Division One league in 2027-28.
• USL currently has two leagues: USL Championship (second division) and USL League One (third division and the one the Kickers play in).

How it works: The decision would create a pyramid structure for all three leagues in which teams could move up or down depending on how well they play during the season.

• It's unclear what the exact layout for promotion and relegation will look like, such as the number of teams that will be promoted and relegated each season, or if there will be financial incentives for promotion.

What they're saying: Kickers chairman and CEO Rob Ukrop said in a statement that their commitment to recruiting players with local ties "will set the table for long term success in this new-look USL."

• And USL says "Fans can expect a more exciting and unpredictable season, where every match has consequences."

Between the lines: Promotion and relegation is common outside the U.S., including in England's Premier League.

• In the Premier League, the bottom three teams are relegated to the Championship.
• The Championship's top two teams are automatically promoted, and the winner of playoffs between teams finishing third to sixth gets the third promotion spot.
• If you're among the millions of people who watched "Ted Lasso" on Apple TV+, you've already been exposed to the concept.

What's next: USL said more details will be shared in the coming months, but in the meantime, the Kickers next home game at City Stadium is Saturday at 6pm against Forward Madison FC.

• Tickets start at $20.