How Much Does It Cost to Run a UPSL Team – And Is It Worth It?

Starting a UPSL team might sound like a dream come true. Maybe you’re a former player looking to give back to the game, a coach with a vision for your own squad, or just a soccer lover with a burning desire to build something from scratch.

Whatever your reason, there’s always that one question that borders us before you make any investment leap: Is it worth it?

I am not going to sugarcoat it for you, starting a team in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) takes heart, hustle, and a whole lot of financial commitment.

It’s one thing to field a team. It’s another to keep that team running competitively, legally, and sustainably across multiple seasons.

This post is here to walk you through the finances, decisions, and dilemmas you’ll face, and ultimately help you decide if this journey is the right fit for you.

The League Fees

To even get in the door, you’ll need to handle several fees from the league.

• Annual Membership Fee: $500. This keeps your team registered as a league member year-round.
• Per Season Entry Fee: $2,000. UPSL runs two seasons each year—Spring and Fall. Some teams play one, others do both. That’s up to you.
• Player Registration Fee: Around $40 per player. This covers insurance and league registration.
• Refundable Bond: $500. Think of this as a security deposit to show the league you’re serious. You get it back as long as you play your games and meet the league’s standards.

Just from the jump, if you play both Spring and Fall seasons, you’re looking at $5,040 in basic league-related costs for a 25-man roster.

SEE ALSO | How Much Do UPSL Players Get Paid?

Players and Coaches

Let me clarify something: UPSL is not a fully professional league. That means there’s a lot of flexibility in how teams handle player and coach compensation.

• Players: Most teams either charge players to play or let them play for free. A handful provide small stipends or reimbursements for gas or meals, but that’s the exception. If you’re starting a UPSL team with dreams of paying every player? That’s a quick way to lose money unless you have major backing.
• Coaches: It’s a bit more common for coaches to receive payment, either a flat fee per game, a monthly stipend, or a seasonal contract. Expect to pay at least $1,000 to $5,000 per season, depending on the coach’s experience and your expectations.

Stadium Rental

One of the biggest costs and stressors is finding a suitable field.

UPSL doesn’t demand a big stadium, but your field must be international size, which rules out a lot of high school or youth fields. You also need good turf or grass, and ideally, seating for fans.

• Rental Rates: These vary a lot. A small college field might cost $100–$300 per game, while private facilities can easily charge $800–$1,000 per match.
• Games Per Season: Plan for 8–10 home games, so that’s $800–$10,000 per season just for field rental.

Already using a facility for a youth club? That’s great, just double-check that your agreement covers UPSL-level matches.

Travel Costs

This part is IMPORTANT

• In some areas like Southern California, you could have all your away games within an hour’s drive.
• In other places, say, the Midwest or Southwest, “away” could mean 6 to 10 hours on the road.

So, what do teams do?

• Short Trips: Players carpool. The team might chip in for gas or offer a food stipend.
• Long Trips: Vans or buses are rented. Sometimes you’ll need hotel stays, especially for playoff games.

And if you’re lucky enough (or good enough) to reach the national finals? You’re flying.

Most teams report $5,000 to $20,000 in annual travel costs. It just depends on your location and playoff ambitions.

SEE ALSO | How Much Does a Youth Soccer Referee Make Per Game?

Referee Fees

Every home game comes with referee fees, and the home team always pays.

• Cost: $300 to $400 per game.
• Season Total: For 8–10 home games, you’ll spend $2,400 to $4,000 on referees alone.

Yes, it’s a lot.

However, this is an area where cutting corners hurts everyone. Underpaid refs mean inconsistent officiating. And you do not want that, trust me.

Uniforms

Uniforms are not optional; they’re a necessity. You’ll need:

• Home kits
• Away kits
• Training gear
• Warmups

Costs vary based on brand, quality, and whether you get sponsorship deals.

• Per Player: $100 to $300
• Team of 25: That’s $2,500 to $7,500

And don’t forget, you’ll probably want extra kits for new signings or replacements.

SEE ALSO | Difference Between USL2, NPSL & UPSL

Equipment

The UPSL gives you a few game balls, but everything else is on you.

Here’s a quick list of what you’ll probably need:

• Extra training balls
• Bibs
• Cones
• Corner flags
• Goal nets
• First aid kits
• Portable goals for practice

Some of this is reusable. Some of it is not. You’ll want to budget at least $1,000 to $2,000 per season, maybe more your first year when you’re buying everything fresh.

Marketing

You can’t just show up and expect people to care. You need to build a brand. That means social media, a website, game-day content, and more.

Here’s where the costs can sneak up:

• Logo design: $100–$500
• Website: Free if DIY, or $500–$2,000 for professional help
• Photography and video: Hire someone or buy gear
• Promos: Posters, stickers, digital ads, etc.

If you’re serious, plan to spend at least $1,000 to $5,000 a year on marketing.

Want to bring fans to your games?

Want sponsors to take you seriously? Then you can’t skip this step.

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Adding It All Up: The Real Cost of Running a UPSL Team

What does it cost to run a UPSL team for a year?

Here’s a basic low-to-mid budget estimate:

Yes, you read that right. Even a “lean” team can expect to spend $20,000 or more per year.

And that doesn’t include food, administrative fees, extra insurance, or surprise expenses (and trust me, there will be surprises).

Now, Is UPSL Worth It?

That depends on what you want out of it.

If you’re looking to make a profit? Probably not.

Most teams either break even or operate at a small loss. Ticket sales (usually $5–$10 per person) and local sponsors help, but they rarely cover everything.

If you’re doing this to build a player pipeline, grow your soccer community, or chase a dream with your friends? Then yes, it can be worth it.

Here’s why:

• You’re creating something meaningful in your community.
• Players and fans rally behind your vision.
• You get a taste of managing a real club.
• You build connections in the American soccer ecosystem.
• You might even launch careers for players or coaches.

But go in with open eyes.

UPSL is not a shortcut to big profits. It’s not a business investment in the traditional sense. It’s a labor of love. And like most things that fall into that category, it will demand your time, your money, and your heart.

Final Thought

If you’re passionate about soccer and building something from the ground up excites you more than it scares you, then starting a UPSL team might be one of the most rewarding things to start.

It’s not easy, and it doesn’t come cheap, but it’s real. It’s gritty. And it’s filled with people just like you, dreamers with cleats on the ground and ambition in their hearts.

Only you can decide that.

If you want to do it, do it all in.

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