North Carolina FC owner Steve Malik announced the men's soccer team has submitted an application to join the United Soccer League’s new Division One league, and as a result, the club will not field a 2026 team.

What's USL Division One?

NCFC is a member of the USL Championship, currently the highest league in the United Soccer League. The USL announced USL Division One earlier this year as the new premier league with a promotion and relegation system, and its inaugural season is set for 2028. NCFC is one of many soccer clubs vying for a spot in the new division.

To qualify, any USL Division One team needs a 15,000+ capacity venue. WakeMed Soccer Park just set a record sell-out attendance of 11,170 this week, meaning the team needs a new venue by 2028, but there's still no guarantee NCFC would receive membership.

Louisville City FC and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC have both applied and have a 15,000-capacity venue established or on the way. Malik has previously expressed interest in a downtown soccer venue in a project like Downtown South, which is still on hold.

What's next for NCFC?

According to The Athletic, NCFC players will be released from their contracts and can sign elsewhere, and guaranteed contracts will end with players receiving approx. two months' salary. NCFC said a club representative will contact fans who have purchased 2026 season tickets, but the rest of the season is anticipated to continue. The NC Courage, also owned by Malik, will continue without change.

"Right now, it’s essential that we focus our immediate resources and energy on strengthening the foundation for professional soccer in Raleigh by continuing to invest in the Courage and resetting our men’s strategy for the future," Malik said in a press release. "With the right infrastructure in place, Raleigh can become a world-class home for the sport for years to come."