Port City FC men being promoted to USL Two in 2026

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — Port City FC’s men’s team got an early Christmas present by learning they will be promoted for the 2026 season.

The Gulls are going from the NPSL to the USL Two level of competition.

PCFC went winless just two years ago, but their quick turnaround did just enough to earn the high praise.

The one downside is that they are in the market for a new head coach as they are required to have one qualified for the USL Two level.

Vice President of Operations Rob Kelly says this is a milestone for the franchise.

“It’s just like the golden ticket,” Kelly said. “We now have an opportunity to play in a higher level league. NPSL and the USL Two are very similar as far as status goes. College coaches value USL Two a little more. There is a pro pathway. It you get promotion from USL Two, you can go to USL One, you can go to USL Championship, which is trying to compete with MLS.”

This coincides with the PCFC women’s promotion to the USL W in 2026.