US Club Soccer is merging the NPL and ECNL RL postseason starting in 2026-27 to create a clearer competitive ladder.

Why parents like it:

• Logistics: Regionalized travel keeps regular-season games local and supports high school soccer participation.

• Recruiting: A unified postseason means massive exposure—ECNL RL events have recently drawn an average of 400 college scouts for girls and 275 for boys.

What to watch out for:

• Price: Elite play remains a major investment; registration for some regional NPL divisions now exceeds $4,000 annually.

• "Badge Inflation": There is growing concern that expanded "Elite" labels are sometimes used as marketing tools rather than guarantees of superior coaching.

A more professional pathway is coming, but families should weigh the "ROI" before signing up.