The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) informed the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Friday that it has been provisionally sanctioned as a Division 2 professional league. In 2017, the following eight clubs will compete in the NASL: FC Edmonton, Indy Eleven, Jacksonville Armada FC, Miami FC, New York Cosmos, North Carolina FC, Puerto Rico FC, and San Francisco Deltas.

“The NASL Board of Governors and I support U.S. Soccer's decision to grant the league provisional Division II status,” said North Carolina FC owner Steve Malik. “We’re excited about beginning play in April, and we look forward to the continued growth of our league and soccer in the U.S.”