The 2026 USL League One season is just over five weeks away with five new clubs joining the league for its biggest campaign yet. This week, we’re going to look at each of the new arrivals and get you prepped for what’s in store as they attempt to make their mark in the new season. 

We’re starting in the northwest, where Athletic Club Boise is making a case to be the league’s next big thing. 

Athletic Club Boise 
Venue: Les Bois Park at Expo Idaho (7,500 capacity) 
Colors: Green, Black, Purple 

What’s the Story? 

The establishment of Athletic Club Boise has been years in the making. Ten years ago, the Portland Timbers 2 hosted Swope Park Rangers in a regular season USL Championship game that drew a sellout, while exhibition games – including those featuring La Liga’s Athletic Bilbao – drew major audiences, led by the city’s Basque population.  

Now under the leadership of co-founder Brad Stith, Steve Patterson, David Wali and Bill Taylor, Athletic Club Boise is ready for action. The club set a USL record for season-ticket deposits and is set to bring a great atmosphere to its home at Expo Idaho, which is nearing the completion of renovations that will see the club host its home opener on April 4, kicking off a potential rivalry with fellow northwestern club Spokane Velocity FC. 

Head Coach – Nate Miller 

Nate Miller’s appointment as the club’s first head coach was a major coup for AC Boise. The 39-year-old brings a tremendous track record of success, leading Lansing Ignite to a top-two finish in League One’s inaugural season before more success at San Diego Loyal SC in the USL Championship, first as an assistant to Landon Donovan and then as SD Loyal’s Head Coach. Over the past two seasons he’s been on the staff at Real Salt Lake. Now he heads to Idaho for his third start-up project in the USL ranks. 

Signings to Know

Athletic Club Boise made a big splash by making Blake Bodily its first signing in club history. The Idaho native grew up just south of Boise and has been a stellar contributor in the USL Championship over his career. The club has also added other notable talent, with Miller also reconnecting with Nick Moon, Charlie Adams and Tumi Moshobane from his time in San Diego. 2025 League One All-League selection Jake Dengler also makes the move across the country from FC Naples, bringing strong experience to the back line, while the side also added goalkeeper Javier Garcia Jr., who was solid for Texoma FC last season. 

What Else? 

With its brand and kit launch attracting wide interest across the region – say nothing of its season-ticket sales – there’s a good chance Athletic Club Boise could be the next “it” club in League One, following in the footsteps of Forward Madison FC and Portland Hearts of Pine as clubs that earn cult status among fans in the U.S. and beyond. 

Both National Soccer Hall of Fame member Kasey Keller and United States Women’s National Team player Sofia Huerta have come on board as investors since the launch, adding to that national buzz. Big things are expected, and Miller’s squad could very well deliver.