I don't know how to start a Birmingham thread. Maybe the mod has to do it. But, take a look at this http://www.rantsports.com/soccer/20...-are-the-answer-to-the-citys-sports-cravings/. Is Birmingham really going to get a pro soccer team?
Is Birmingham really going to get a pro soccer team? Hey, their "team" website sells scarves, so the answer must be a resounding "yes"!
If Atlanta joins MLS, Birmingham I'm sure would be on their shortlist of ideal cities to have as a USL affiliate. But I doubt they'll get a team until then.
I think when the new owners bought the league I thought it was mentioned that they had the USL rights for both Atlanta and Birmingham. Does anyone else remember that or can find the link?
But what does that mean? Would they prevent a group from starting a team in Birmingham at the detriment to the league they own? Doesn't make sense.
It means nurock, which owns USL can at any time start a franchise there at no cost. Also means they can sell it.
Let's have some big ups for Bisquick! I think something is up. I was hoping for NASL team. It will be good to see if Birmingham can support a team. It will be good for Legion Field to go back to grass.
Unless I missed something, there is no news here. The news about the Hammers is old and nothing in that Rant Sports article seems to indicate anything has changed for those who formed the Hammers last year. Also is Bisquick a nickname for Birmingham or did you just ask us to give you props for starting this news cycle?
I know. I was just putting it out there. Don't be a buzz kill. I have a real question. What is the USL-MLS partnership all about? Is it like the USL team is the minor league team for the MLS team? Does the MLS team send players down the the USL if they are hurt or don't do well? Does it mean that USL will become the D2 league above the NASL? Or, does it really mean anything? Thanks for the answers.
By 2015, every MLS team is supposed to have an affiliation with a USL Pro team. It will replace the reserve league, which MLS felt was not giving young players enough meaningful games. The most basic rule is that affiliation will require the MLS club to have 4 players on loan to the USL affiliate. But clubs are also free to cooperate on technical matters, coaching and marketing. Some MLS clubs also intend to go further than mere affiliation, but rather will create and operate their own USL Pro franchises. Anyway, the purpose of the partnership for MLS is for USL Pro to become a development tool; a bridge from the academy/college to the first team; a great way for prospects to get playing time. From USL's perspective, it means clubs will be receiving players whose salaries are subsidized by MLS, as well as coaching and front office assistance. The agreement will also result eventually in the size of USL Pro roughly doubling, which will allow the league to cut travel costs by having regionalized divisions. But it is not the intention of the partnership to boost USL Pro to be a 2nd division league. I don't think the league really cares about that. 2nd division or 3rd division, it doesn't really matter if the league is poorly run, capitalized and attended, with teams frequently folding. Having MLS teams supporting USL Pro franchises will help improve the stability, on the field quality and off the field professionalism of the league.
Thanks for the answers. It would seem that Birmingham and Atlanta would be good partners. I think you drive between the two in about 3 hours. Maybe the Atl MLS team is going to have their USL affiliate ready to go. Or maybe Birmingham is going to get a team to fill out regional play in the South. I just want Birmingham to get a team.
This is, in theory, what Orlando is doing. They are moving their USL franchise to Louisville when the move to MLS.
Here's one of many articles about the partnership. The deal was signed January 2103. http://www.sportingnews.com/soccer/...vid-beckham-sporting-kansas-city-orlando-city
The Hammers are going to have an announcement tomorrow. I think it is going to be about the game in March. Maybe we will find out who is going to play.
The USL is now based out of Tampa, FL. The league is still in talks with B'ham Hammer organizers who are still seeking out potential investors. The league is very interested in the Hammers obtaining a franchise there soon.
FYI The League has been in HQed in Tampa for at least 10 years. probably more. The current owners though, NuRock, are based out of Atlanta. They are also the ones with the rights to the Atlanta and Birmingham USL Pro markets.
Birmingham has started a soccer supports group. This is not the Birmingham Hammers. They are called the Magic City Brigade. Also, the Atlanta Silverbacks are going to be playing a game in Birmingham on March 21 http://www.abc3340.com/story/24558656/uab-soccer-set-to-host-exhibition-vs-pro-soccer-team . More good soccer news coming out of Birmingham.
There was an impressive turnout and a very active crowd. About 2,200 for what was simply an exhibition game (UAB vs. Atlanta Silverbacks). Big step for Birmingham. http://cbs42.com/2014/03/21/birmingham-hammers-host-professional-soccer-match-at-uab/