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UPSL Announces Historic International Partnership with Mexican Clubs to Create UPSL MX

Mexican Clubs To Play In UPSL MX Starting With The 2021 Spring Season
Published Nov 23, 2020

November 23, 2020 – Mexicali, MX – The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) is proud to announce that it has formed a partnership with a contingency of soccer clubs from Mexico's Liga Premier and Liga TDP to create UPSL MX.

UPSL MX will provide a highly competitive platform for clubs seeking an alternative to the current lower-tier structure in Mexico. Eighteen clubs have already committed, and it is anticipated that approximately 30 teams will be part of the inaugural season when it kicks off in March 2021.

The venture represents the first time that a league affiliated with the U.S. Soccer Federation has partnered with established clubs in Mexico to create a competitive platform.

UPSL Founder & President Leonel Lopez said, "The UPSL currently has players, coaches and owners from all over the world. Expanding the UPSL's footprint into Mexico made perfect sense, especially given the millions of Mexicans who now call America home. It's also important to recognize the close ties between the U.S. and Mexico, including the co-hosting of the 2026 World Cup. Building this bridge and creating an international platform for athletes to compete in is something that we are very proud of. The clubs in Mexico are well-organized and have been playing at a high level. We are confident that the UPSL MX is going to be a success."

The UPSL MX will operate under the umbrella of the UPSL brand, however it will be governed and managed locally in Mexico. A seasoned group of executives from the member clubs, led by newly-appointed UPSL MX Commissioner Juan Serna, will operate all aspects of the business.

UPSL MX Commissioner Juan Serna said, "The UPSL is a professionally managed league with a proven track record in soccer operations, marketing and club development. Our partnership with the UPSL could not have come at a better time. Recently, there have been some changes in Mexican soccer that have led many clubs to pursue options that are more suited to their needs. We are excited to partner with the UPSL on this ground-breaking partnership."

Additionally, an annual Champions Cup will be played between the top clubs from the UPSL and UPSL MX. The inaugural event is slated to take place in 2022.

"What makes it even more special is that we are brothers, Mexico and the United States, and there are so many players that have played on both sides," Serna said. "We want to see the top UPSL team from the U.S. kick off against the best UPSL MX teams. We want the best playing against the best."