I wonder whether this NPSL rumor might be the next step in the evolution of MLS youth sides. The USL 2 teams are evolving quickly and are starting to produce MLS players. However, it still isn't a great place for DA players to get a lot of time unless they are great prospects. At the same time, the DA has just about reached its ceiling. The MLS DA teams are starting to separate from the nonaffiliated clubs in terms of quality, and they aren't getting much in the way of good competition, which is beginning to show when they face Mexican teams in tournament. I could envision a situation where NPSL goes pro, and MLS teams providing free labor in the form of DA youth players. That would help MLS because the youth players would also be competimg against good competition more regularly, possibly with and against older guys. It would help the NPSL teams by cutting labor costs. Realistically, I think that is about the only way NPSL could go pro and not lose money hand over fist.
Interesting... the independent USL clubs seem to have been expanding their DA programs too.... seems odd to divert things away from the PDL, but I guess a full season option is more appealing?
I think the PDL still has its place. I mean, college kids need something to do during summer, and they aren't allowed to play with pros. Maybe it will be more of a merger of PDL and NPSL, with the teams willing to make a go of it at D3 doing so and the remainder staying at the PDL level. Of course, all this is predicated on USL gaining D2 status, and given how leaky bureaucracy can be, I'm pretty stunned that we haven't heard of why USL did not get D2 status at the last meeting, the timeline on a decision, and what the USL might need to do to improve heir chances at D2.
I could see an NPSL PDL merged and developed into a regional D4 professional league and a separate regional D5 amateur league for the college kids to play in this would basically fill in the gaps in the pyramid by connecting D1 to D5 and then if pro/rel were to be tried ( which I don't think it will ever be) then the super structure that's needed for it to grow would be in place. Not that I want pro/rel but this rumor if true does intrigue me. The question is is it true and what's the vision for such an agreement. I mean it could be just for a development pathway.
Why in the world would PDL and NPSL clubs want to go professional? Most are poorly-funded outfits playing in HS football stadiums. Many are in markets that are quite small. If they had the desire and capability to go pro, they'd be in USL right now. There's a reason why they are all still in the PDL or NPSL.
It's pretty easy to want to be professional without having the means. And while it may be challenging, it is certainly not impossible to acquire the means to go professional assuming the desire is there. I also think there's a distinct difference between being 'low-budget' vs 'poorly funded.' Look at Kingston Stockade (extreme example I know). They've got as much funding as they need, and the ability to spend more if they wanted to, but they are a low-budget operation. I'm sure there are other PDL or NPSL owners who could spend more money if they wanted to.
Bill Edwards contemplates a move to the dark side seen with USL execs http://www.empireofsoccer.com/rowdies-owner-spotted-with-usl-execs-amid-rumors-of-nasl-exit-54882/
#TampaBayIsUnited@TampaBayRowdies will join the #USL for 2017 seasonFull details: https://t.co/VRW8rQ1BAt pic.twitter.com/fU7oj5dhPe— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) October 25, 2016
If USL can grab Indy, Jacksonville, and Carolina then I think they effectively kill NASL and end up with D2 sanctioning by default. The only teams left would be: Cosmos--USL/MLS have no interest Edmonton--owner has NASL stock and will stay until the bitter end SF Deltas--have yet to play, USL might not want them due to MLS territory issues Rayo OKC--dumpster fire likely to fold, city already has USL Ft Lauderdale--the other dumpster fire, has MLS territory issues with Beckham group Miami FC--committed to the Cosmos model, same territory issue as Ft L Puerto Rico--USL isn't interested in going back to the island That's 7 clubs and 2 are on life support and I'm not sure the other owners are going to want to pony up the money to keep them going. I know Indy came out in support of NASL but if college football has thought me anything it is that when an up-and-coming head coach says in a press conference that he's committed to Xxxxxx University he has already interviewed somewhere else, his bags are packed, and a realtor is getting ready to stage his house for a listing. I say cut the three I mentioned a deal.
Never underestimate the committed owners....look at the AFL (Arena Football League). They are down to 4 teams for next season and are planning to play it out and expand again. Now, whether they actually play the season and whether they get new teams for the following season remains to be seen....but that is a "pro" 4 team league.
I would think USL would love to have SF Deltas. It would lock up the area with teams, and the Sacramento/SF Derby would be awesome for NorCal.
So correct me if I'm wrong but the current count of 2 teams vs. independent teams is: 13 - MLS Operated Teams 18 - Independent (9 will presumably have some sort of affiliation in 2017)
That's what I have ... and if most "affiliates" stay the same ... Minnesota and NYCFC are the 2 teams still "looking" for USL affiliates ... and Ottawa, Harrisburg, Cinci, Louisville, Tampa Bay, Sacramento, Arizona, Colorado Springs, Tulsa and San Antonio are "available".
I really hope that's not accurate. I believe Minnesota and Ottawa were pretty decent "rivals" of sorts and their fans don't care much for each other. For Ottawa to keep their fan base somewhat happy with a "move down a tier" they'll not need to affiliate to make the appearance worse than it already is. There were some "jokes" being thrown around on Reddit posts about this and I really hope what you read was just sarcasm/joking that you didn't pick up on.
This is the current full list: Affiliates (6) Charleston Battery - Atlanta United OKC Energy - FC Dallas Pittsburgh Riverhounds - Columbus Crew Richmond Kickers - DC United Rochester Rhinos - New England Revolution Saint Louis FC - Chicago Fire Affiliates w/ Roster Managed (more or less) (3) Charlotte Independence - Colorado Rapids Reno 1868 - San Jose Earthquakes Rio Grande Valley - Houston Dynamo MLS Owned (11) Bethlehem Steel - Philadelphia Union FC Montreal - Montreal Impact LA Galaxy II - LA Galaxy NY Red Bulls II - NY Red Bulls Orlando City B - Orlando City Portland Timbers 2 - Portland Timbers Real Monarchs SLC - Real Salt Lake Seattle Sounders 2 - Seattle Sounders Swope Park Rangers - Sporting Kansas City Toronto FC II - Toronto FC Vancouver Whitecaps 2 - Vancouver Whitecaps Non-affiliated USL (11) Arizona United Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Cincinnati Harrisburg City Islanders Louisville City Orange County Blues Ottawa Fury Sacramento Republic San Antonio FC Tampa Bay Rowdies Tulsa Roughnecks Unattached MLS (2) Minnesota United NY City FC
I think there was an article today or yesterday that said, no affiliation, no salary dump. I don't expect them to affiliate anytime soon.
And 2 on hiatus ( Austin Aztex, Wilmington Hammerheads) bringing the official number of clubs to 34 clubs hiatus may not be active but have to officially be counted as part of the league. But to be fair it's hard to believe that Austin with its current ownership would be able to comeback however there's still an Austin USL franchise legally so hopefully they can come back in 2018 and we all know the situation with Wilmington
They may also have some more stringent roster restrictions given to them by the CSA (similar to the Canadian MLS2 teams). So if they don't do a salary dump and get young Canadians, it will be interesting. Maybe they'll have more to spend on non Canadians, I don't know.