Beats me. Is it possible that NASL accepts both? Or does Albion look at USL's D3 league or this new NISA league?? Or maybe just stays in NPSL and affiliates with the NASL group?
NISA could get them into NASL one day through pro/rel so that might be a better option than if they go to USLD3. USLD2 could be another story. Makes sense for Albion to wait until this San Diego NASL group moves to Oceanside area and then setup shop at Torero or at DeVore in Chula Vista and go to NISA.
Anybody know anything about the ownership group besides Demba Ba and Eden Hazard? Edit : http://sandiegonasl.com/the-founders/
For those catching up like me, here's info on Albion. http://midfieldpress.com/2017/01/18/exclusive-albion-sc-close-to-bringing-nasl-to-san-diego/
Peter explained it this way in my interview with him in February: "In San Diego, we have been working with two gentlemen: Alex Gontran, who is Demba Ba’s agent, and Vagno Chandara, Managing Partner and Chief Brand Officer at Mind Soccer Group. They are working with four high level pro players include Demba Ba, Eden Hazard and Yohan Cabaye. Locally, Bob Watkins is the president of Mind Soccer Group and a San Diegan. He is a veteran sports executive in San Diego, specifically in rugby. He is one of US Rugby’s grand old guys. They are looking at rounding out their group with other investors even though they more than meet the net worth requirements currently." http://midfieldpress.com/2017/02/27/peter-wilt-talks-san-diego-chicago-more-nasl-expansion/
Well alright then! And good choice with Torero as the temp venue. Wonder if they're still looking North County or if they're going central now that MLS is on the ropes...
Until San Diego gets an MLS team, NASL (or/and USL) it's gonna be then. Hope they come up with a good identity (name, logo, colors, uni's) Thanks everyone for the updates and research.
No reason this can't turn into a name brand like Republic or FC Cincinnati I like North County better anyway.
Definitely the region's first chance to show support for a local pro outdoor team in close to 2 decades.
If they kick off 3/31/2018, that's 278 days from now. The only NASL expansion team that had less time was Rayo OKC. Just sayin'.
Plenty of time. Provided they don't rest on their laurels. And attempt to take advantage of the groundswell of local support the MLS guys kicked up and have now left hanging through no fault of their own. If the NASL guys can even get a fraction of that to their banner they should do alright. Not like there's a ton of other local sports competition in SD, and what there is in season, in the Padres, are having a big downswing of interest due to the rebuild. And unlike SF, SD has thus far proven very friendly to minor league teams like the Gulls. Who as I recall only had a 7 month ramp up from announcement to opening night.
That's a good question. Googling around it looks like Hazard has the most worth close to 100 million. The others are in the 10's of millions. Hopefully they have good football and money people in the front office. I think someone mentioned this before but I can see them calling themselves something beer related or pertaining to the 78 state highway. Hell they could even go with something Marine related I don't think they'll have an issue with finding players. corporate sponsors or fans like Rayo. Not really an apples to apples comparison I think.