The North American Soccer League (NASL) has been hanging by a thread for some time now, and the latest news regarding the league could be far worse for it’s short-term future.
According to FiftyFive.One, the U.S. Soccer Federation has declined NASL’s bid to remain at Division II status in the U.S. Soccer pyramid, meaning that the league would have to drop down to D III or possibly fold completely.
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The reported decision isn’t completely surprising given NASL’s poor attendance numbers and overall lack of league growth, however, nothing has been made clear yet as to why it wouldn’t be granted D II status for another year.
If NASL does in fact have to drop down to D III, it would likely join USL Division III, which is tabbed to begin its venture in the North American soccer pyramid in 2019.
Heading into 2017, NASL lost five clubs prior to the start of the Spring Season. The Fort Lauderdale Strikers and Rayo OKC folded completely, while Minnesota United (MLS), the Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL) and Ottawa Fury (USL) each moved on to new leagues.
The San Francisco Deltas were the league’s lone addition for 2017, although NASL is set to add two more California-based club’s next year with the arrivals of California United FC and an unnamed San Diego team owned by Eden Hazard, Demba Ba and others.
FiftyFive.One is also reporting that North Carolina FC, Indy Eleven and the two new California sides are all considering the possibility of joining USL next season with NASL’s future very uncertain.