They’re also meeting with USL and NWSL. Seems to be some power behind the group, especially if Cimperman is on board.
Some plans that had been released for expanding Gateway south of the Innerbelt for a new Browns Stadium showed a soccer stadium next door.
Can confirm that there is real momentum coming out of those August meetings. Focus is on NWSL with MLS Next Pro secondary. This is somewhat disappointing to me, I personally have no interest in NWSL, but happy for those that do! Obviously contingent on building a facility. Ambitious timeline to start in 2025. Expect to hear some sort of announcement during the World Cup.
I can’t say with 100% certainty but no, that does not appear to be involved at all. (although personally, I think that would be great, and would not be nearly logistically complicated as some people seem to think)
No to Capybaras in Cleveland. maybe for a game or 2, but they will remain in Columbus under watchful eye of first team staff. They have put too much $$ into the training facility and have a stadium already. NWSL in Cleveland is nto a terrible idea but stadium is absolute must and I don;t see one getting built just for them. If they had an exisiting faciltity already I would give it a chance. but I just don't see it happening by itself. now if they go USL -C or USL 1 for men and also a NWSL team, then maybe. BUT where will those teams train? That is nearly as important as a gameday stadium. Nothing is impossible. Just take money and a ton of ambition and smarts. often there is plenty of money, it's just real ambition coupled with smarts that is lacking.
Okay - I wasn't sure if USL-W put them more on a path to USL-S. And also that they have USL-2. The relationship seems to be with USL overall. But maybe that doesn't matter as much with NWSL as it seems to with MLS.
Is this group (the NWSL/MLS Next Pro one) the same as the Force group? I thought they were pretty all in on the USL Championship.
“Join us for a historic announcement about the future of professional soccer in Cleveland! Then stay with us to watch the USA vs Wales World Cup match. All ages are welcome. RSVP now to receive a FREE limited edition scarf (while supplies last) and drink at the launch party! Event details are as follows: Date: Monday, November 21, 2022 Time: 12 p.m. — Doors open and food served. 1 p.m. — Special announcement (please arrive by 12:50). 2 p.m. — World Cup watch party (USA vs Wales). Location: Pins Mechanical, 1880 W. 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113 Festivities: Enjoy a few rounds of bowling until 6. p.m. and play your favorite arcade games for free all night! Special guest speaker Justin Morrow (Cleveland Native, MLS all-star, USMNT player and founder of Black Players for Change) will be signing autographs following the match.”
I attended it. Had a good time, Got a scarf and some pizza. The important points: independent MLSNP team coming in 2025 SSS being built (site TBD) no name yet they are officially bidding on an NWSL team - sounds like there's enough $ there that the bid wasn't dismissed summarily
Boy don't know if I'd have the warm and fuzzy with such a big announcement without really making any announcements. I'll set over/under on things: Chance they get a stadium built - 25% Chance this team ever makes it to the field - 60% Chance they last more than 5 yrs. - 20% Chance they get NWSL team - 30% if they get stadium...0% without it
If this fails, is Cleveland doomed to permanent Houston hockey (biggest market that will NEVER get a pro team - major or minor) status?
If the rumors I'm hearing are true, the stadium will get built as its existence isn't dependent on pro soccer (that's all I can say at this time) I expect the team to take the field. It's the long term that worries me more Given how much I expect the NWSL to grow in future seasons, I'm not sure how long an MLSNP stadium will be sufficient
I'll need to check attendance but I would think a 5,000 seat NWSL stadium would be sufficient for next 5-10 years. But I'd build it with expansion ability to 10k. I think the NWSL piece to this is simply to help them get stadium built.