Live American USL Championship TV & Broadcast Schedule

The USL Championship is the second division of professional soccer in the United States. It sits one level below MLS. There's no promotion or relegation to the top flight, so the league operates on its own terms. The season runs from spring through fall, with playoffs and a championship final. The race for the postseason is heating up as summer approaches.

Top teams

Louisville City FC is the gold standard. They've won multiple championships and consistently pack Lynn Family Stadium. Sacramento Republic FC has one of the loudest fan bases in the league and made a deep US Open Cup run a few years back. The Tampa Bay Rowdies, New Mexico United, and Pittsburgh Riverhounds are also regular playoff contenders. Indy Eleven and Detroit City FC bring the passion in the Midwest.

Club culture

The USL is built on local pride. Most of these clubs are independent, not MLS reserve teams. Supporters groups are intense — tifo displays, packed sections, the whole thing. In cities like Louisville, Sacramento, and Detroit, the USL team is the biggest soccer show in town. The league leans into that community feel hard.

Viewership

The USL doesn't pull massive TV numbers, but it has a loyal following. Between 5 and 7 million fans tune in across the season, mostly through streaming and local broadcasts. Attendance is where the league shines — several clubs average over 10,000 fans per game, which is solid for a second division. Louisville and Sacramento regularly sell out.

TV options in the US

CBS Sports Network is the national broadcast home for the USL Championship. They carry a game of the week throughout the season, plus the playoffs and final. Some clubs also have local TV deals with regional sports networks or over-the-air stations. Check your local club's schedule if you want to catch them on traditional TV.

Streaming options in the US

For out-of-market games, you'll need streaming. CBS Sports Golazo Network carries a bunch of USL matches for free. ESPN+ also has a selection of games each week, though the deal scaled back after the CBS partnership kicked in. If you're following a specific club, their local streaming setup might be your best bet.

International streaming

For fans outside the US, the USL offers a direct streaming service through their website and app. It's called USL Championship Live. Most matches are available with a subscription. It's a straightforward way to follow the league if you're in Europe, Asia, or anywhere else without a local broadcast deal.

Current season

The 2026 USL Championship season kicked off in March. The regular season runs through October, with playoffs in November. The championship final is scheduled for late November. Louisville City FC won the title in 2024 and 2025, so they're chasing a three-peat. The league added a new expansion team in Jacksonville this year.