The A-League is the top rung on the developmental ladder leading to Major League Soccer. As the highest level league in the United Systems of Independent Soccer Leagues (USISL, Inc.), the A-League functions for Major League Soccer (MLS) in a manner similar to the way AAA minor-league baseball teams function for Major League Baseball. The USISL has an agreement for player movement and development with MLS, and 31 USISL players were moved up to MLS teams during the inaugural 1996 season. The agreement between MLS and the USISL was renewed for the 1997 season, and even has a provision for exhibition games between MLS teams and A-League teams, one in each A-League city over the next two seasons.
Umbro is the official outfitter and supplier of the USISL and the A-League.
Eastern Conference |
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| Northeast Division | Atlantic Division |
| Connecticut Wolves | Carolina Dynamo |
| Long Island Rough Riders | Charlston Battery |
| Montreal Impact | Hershey Wildcats |
| Rochester Raging Rhinos | Jacksonville Cyclones |
| Toronto Lynx | Raleigh Flyers |
| Worcester Wildfire | Richmond Kickers |
Western Conference |
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| Central Division | Pacific Division |
| Atlanta Ruckus | California Jaguars |
| Milwaukee Rampage | Colorado Foxes |
| Minnesota Thunder | El Paso Patriots |
| Nashville Metros | Orange County Zodiac |
| New Orleans Riverboat Gamblers | Seattle Sounders |
| Orlando Sundogs | Vancouver 86ers |
