*Metro of almost 900k population
Another good market lost by USL. Not sure if MLS takes 30 good markets if any great will be left for USL. Just seems like MLS is coming in strong and do wonder what they are offering….maybe cheaper entry and better revenue sharing that gives them better stability?
My opinion this will mostly impact 2/3rd divisions in USL
Per Estadio Deportes, MLS is actively exploring a break with Apple TV to go back to traditional networks (Fox, Peacock, Paramount, etc.). The Kansas City Chiefs/FC Dallas ownership group is leading the push, and it could be one of the new commissioner's first moves.
The report also suggests Leagues Cup might end or get sold off separately.
Why this matters beyond the money:
USL Premier launches in 2028. If MLS locks up long-term linear deals now, they could suck up all the available broadcast dollars and weekend time slots before USL even gets to bid—leaving them with scraps.
My worry: I loved the Apple setup—every game, no blackouts. But if we go back to traditional TV:
· Will production quality drop?
· Are blackouts returning?
· Is this really about revenue, or about kneecapping USL?
Curious what others think.
What did you think of interview?
Take aways that I like:
- no empty football stadiums 🏟️….that disqualifies Dallas (unless the fill up), Oakland (which either way is moving out), and Birmingham.
“Teams:I have an owner willing to spend…..Paul: yeah but you don’t sell tickets….we need the product to look good on tv.”
- they are talking to USSF regarding requirements (stadiums)….”they have been listening to our concerns……they are open minded…..”
I wonder if they are truly open to changing rules…..Paul states they would cause clubs to shut down (15k stadiums)…..wonder if this is one of the big hold ups with premier happening. Is USSF truly giving them any response to these concerns? Sounded like not really based on his response to Landon. He also said “USSF spreads its wings to much” into working with them…..so is USSF wanting to implement their vision into USL and USL has other ideas…..
Looks like new money has entered USL via equity firms and shortly after the front office restructured which tells you changes / adjustments might be done thinking a bit more on the money side. In my opinion these are some areas that might be looked into:
I personally think budgets won’t be sustainable if teams are flying all over the country. This was one of the things that killed NASL
I think some teams like Sacramento, Detroit, Louisville with new / expanded stadiums vs others that enter with none soccer specific facilities (Dallas/Oakland) will make the league realize what the standard should be. It might become a bit like MLS to some but I think it’s a good thing for league’s survival long term.
USL runs the risk of some well run teams OKC, Sacramento, Detroit, Louisville leaving league and create there own if the money isn’t making sense. Similar to what happen when teams were jumping between USL and NASL.
Anything you would like to change from what they initially announced. I would advise looking at it from the perspective that clubs need to be profitable or at least be sustainable….bleeding millions isn’t sustainable long term. Would you be opposed to it becoming like MLS where premier only permits new teams with new stadium or great setup as ownership group before it implements pro/rel? I think it’s obvious it won’t be implemented year 1.
What’s your expected initial 12 teams:
These teams are the standard USL should set for all it’s initial clubs in premier (1-6)…to have a strong 1st division:
*Existing Stadiums or being build or close to 100% approved:
*Money behind projects:
This is where it starts to look difficult and either USL will take teams with bad facilities just to start league or delay new league for years:
Dead options: Las Vegas and Phoenix markets are waiting for MLS causing current USL ownership to not be ambitious and looks like either way they are lacking the money.
Teams showing no motivation or intention of joining:
*San Antonio- they seem to want MLS or nothing
*Tampa Bay Rowdies - new ownership focused on baseball team and doesn’t seem to care for soccer club as of now.
Who are your 12 based on information currently available?
M34
Education:
BBA in marketing 2014
MBA 2016
Experience:
Healthcare: operations management- 6 years
Consultant (remote)- 3 years
Healthcare tech (remote)- 3 years
I was running a medical facility where I gained all types of experience quality assurance, audits, operations, project management, leadership, other (had 100 employees including RNs and doctors under me)….salary and bonuses (70-85k)
I went remote and picked up a consulting job remote (75k)….i then decided to try what was known as “over employment “ which was part of my initial plan….i then picked up 2nd job which basically is tech support at a big healthcare tech company (60k)
So for two years I was making 135k working same hours and was a piece of cake. But I lost my highest paying job due to grant that paid my salary was cut and lost consultant job.
Now I am making 60k as I only kept the job that was suppose to just be some extra income….and I keep applying for jobs (customer success, consulting, business analyst) and nothing…..gotten a few interviews for jobs in the 70-95k range and seems like competition is just to much (note: I was always considered a great interviewer)
I live in a small town in Texas where cost of living and pay are the lowest in the country. So I am only applying to remote jobs as those are the ones that can sustain my lifestyle.
I’m now going back and trying to use all those years of experience to obtain the most legit certifications I can but not sure it will make me more competitive or overqualified:
Certifications I just completed within last month:
*Salesforce Administrator
*Salesforce Business Analyst
*Manager of Quality /Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)
Now thinking of going after PMP (I’m smart and regret not doing all of this sooner.
What do you all think? Any you all have done in current market that has worked?
Good interview - looks like the plan is identical to USL….i just feel they are better run and might end up killing pro/rel if USL doesn’t run a tight ship and focus on a high quality D1
“Under the new company, Hometown Soccer Holdings, there are plans to move NEXT Pro teams affiliated with MLS clubs to nearby mid-sized markets, according to the report.
Another key detail from the article is that MLS teams can choose to opt in and turn over control of their business operations of their second team. Those that do will still retain control of their MLS NEXT Pro teams from a soccer operations standpoint.”
Also mentions the “firm” will facilitate 6-8k seat stadiums in these mid size markets.
Looks like MLS is getting its act together and might even be putting money behind it to facilitate stadium construction.
In 10 years from now what do you see most likely:
USL Premier: 18 teams, pro/rel, solid tv rights, co existing with MLS Next Pro
Or
USL struggling in general due to business set up (no revenue sharing), MLS Next recruiting USL championship & Premier teams due to being more stable and revenue sharing ? (I don’t like it but this would be closer to reality)
Looks like MLS is about to eat USL lunch and dinner MLS plans artical
There is background stuff that isn’t being said….someone needs to come out and put the other on blast…either owners want to much money for team in a city that won’t give them what they want vs what they can get in USA cities or the government simply doesn’t care enough but want other sports instead.