American football stands as one of the most beloved and dominant sports in the United States, captivating millions with its strategic complexity, raw athleticism, and thrilling rivalries. While the National Football League (NFL) undeniably holds the pinnacle of professional football in the country, its robust ecosystem extends far beyond the well-known 32 franchises. From established indoor leagues to emerging spring and developmental circuits, the landscape of professional football in the USA is surprisingly diverse and constantly evolving. This article aims to provide an exhaustive list of all professional football teams currently operating across the various leagues in the United States, offering a comprehensive overview of the sport's widespread presence and the myriad opportunities for players and fans alike.
National Football League (NFL)
AFC Teams:
AFC East:
- Buffalo Bills
- Miami Dolphins
- New England Patriots
- New York Jets
AFC North:
- Baltimore Ravens
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Cleveland Browns
- Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC South:
- Houston Texans
- Indianapolis Colts
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Tennessee Titans
AFC West:
- Denver Broncos
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Los Angeles Chargers
NFC Teams:
NFC East:
- Dallas Cowboys
- New York Giants
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Washington Commanders
NFC North:
- Chicago Bears
- Detroit Lions
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
NFC South:
- Atlanta Falcons
- Carolina Panthers
- New Orleans Saints
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFC West:
- Arizona Cardinals
- Los Angeles Rams
- San Francisco 49ers
- Seattle Seahawks
Major League Soccer (MLS)
Eastern Conference:
- Atlanta United FC
- Charlotte FC
- Chicago Fire FC
- Columbus Crew
- FC Cincinnati
- D.C. United
- Inter Miami CF
- CF Montréal
- New England Revolution
- New York City FC
- New York Red Bulls
- Orlando City SC
- Philadelphia Union
- Toronto FC
Western Conference:
- Austin FC
- Colorado Rapids
- FC Dallas
- Houston Dynamo FC
- LA Galaxy
- Los Angeles FC
- Minnesota United FC
- Nashville SC
- Portland Timbers
- Real Salt Lake
- San Jose Earthquakes
- Seattle Sounders FC
- St. Louis City SC
- Vancouver Whitecaps FC
USL Championship
Eastern Conference:
- Atlanta United 2
- Birmingham Legion
- Charleston Battery
- Detroit City FC
- Hartford Athletic
- Indy Eleven
- Loudoun United
- Louisville City FC
- Memphis 901
- Miami FC
- New York Red Bulls II
- FC Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC
- Union Omaha
- Richmond Kickers
- South Georgia Tormenta FC
- FC Tucson
Western Conference:
- Colorado Springs Switchbacks
- El Paso Locomotive FC
- LA Galaxy II
- Las Vegas Lights FC
- Monterey Bay FC
- New Mexico United
- Oakland Roots SC
- Orange County SC
- Phoenix Rising FC
- Portland Timbers 2
- Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
- Sacramento Republic FC
- San Antonio FC
- San Diego Loyal SC
National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
- Angel City FC
- Chicago Red Stars
- Houston Dash
- Kansas City Current
- NJ/NY Gotham FC
- North Carolina Courage
- OL Reign
- Orlando Pride
- Portland Thorns FC
- Racing Louisville FC
- San Diego Wave FC
- Washington Spirit
Other Leagues:
National Premier Soccer League (NPSL): 95 teams, including Academica, Akron City, Alexandria Reds, and more
USL League One: 14 teams, including Central Valley Fuego FC, Charlotte Independence, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, and more
USL League Two: 113 teams, including Albany Rush, Ann Arbor, Asheville City, and more
National Independent Soccer Association (NISA): 10 teams, including AC Syracuse Pulse, Albion San Diego, Bay Cities FC, and more.
The vast and varied landscape of professional football in the USA, extending far beyond the widely recognized NFL, truly underscores the sport's deep-rooted popularity and enduring appeal. From the high-stakes drama of the National Football League to the dynamic play of indoor leagues and the developmental opportunities presented by newer circuits, each level contributes to the vibrant tapestry of American football. As the sport continues to innovate and expand, with new leagues and teams regularly emerging, the opportunities for athletes to pursue their professional dreams and for fans to engage with the game at various levels are ever-growing. This exhaustive list serves as a testament to the enduring passion for football across the nation, highlighting the rich diversity and exciting future of the professional game in the United States.