The USL Championship is a professional soccer league in the United States, serving as the second tier of the American soccer pyramid, below Major League Soccer (MLS). Founded in 2011, it features teams from across the country, promoting the growth of soccer at the grassroots level. The league aims to provide competitive opportunities for players and clubs while fostering local fan engagement. The USL Championship operates with a regular season followed by playoffs, culminating in a championship match to determine the league champion. The league has expanded significantly since its inception, with numerous franchises representing various cities, contributing to the overall development of soccer in the U.S.