Thanks John for another great piece. As the years have passed I find myself following everything USL (originally team first, then Championship), and while I read about League One, it's been really hard to get a grasp for exactly how big the league is in terms of reach, attendance, and more.
John --It's time for an update to this article?? The launch of exciting new clubs like Hearts of Pine (Portland, ME) and AV Alta (Lancaster, CA), or Naples, FL, each already attracting many thousands of season ticket deposits a full year ahead of their first official game, points to a brighter future for the League?
Also, the USL will be buoyed by the USL Super League launch, the mega broadcasting deals the USL has signed, the success of the Jägermeister Cup, the the success of USL Championship and League One teams in the U.S. Open Cup (and the villainy of the MLS regarding the Cup)?
Great article. Reading at this time, a few months down the road, how do you read the current situation for the USL and specifically USL League One? What has changed? Is there a better or worse prognosis from your opinion.
I really appreciate your writing, sir! Keep it up!
Yes, a LOT has changed --for the better for the USL!-- in the 9 months this article was written. From the USL Superleague launch, to the success in the U.S. Open Cup (and the villainy of the MLS regarding the Cup) to the mega-broadcasting deals the USL has signed....
Two prime reasons why a club would choose USL League One instead of USL Championship include:
1. USL-C franchise fees are rumored to be $20 million, versus $5 million or less of USL-L1.
2. USL-C now mandates control or ownership of a soccer specific stadium. While the SSS is also ideal for USL-L1 as that brings in potentially millions in revenue and sponsorship and concessions per season, it is not as rigid a requirement by the USL.
Great summary of the situation.
Thanks John for another great piece. As the years have passed I find myself following everything USL (originally team first, then Championship), and while I read about League One, it's been really hard to get a grasp for exactly how big the league is in terms of reach, attendance, and more.
John --It's time for an update to this article?? The launch of exciting new clubs like Hearts of Pine (Portland, ME) and AV Alta (Lancaster, CA), or Naples, FL, each already attracting many thousands of season ticket deposits a full year ahead of their first official game, points to a brighter future for the League?
Also, the USL will be buoyed by the USL Super League launch, the mega broadcasting deals the USL has signed, the success of the Jägermeister Cup, the the success of USL Championship and League One teams in the U.S. Open Cup (and the villainy of the MLS regarding the Cup)?
Great article. Reading at this time, a few months down the road, how do you read the current situation for the USL and specifically USL League One? What has changed? Is there a better or worse prognosis from your opinion.
I really appreciate your writing, sir! Keep it up!
Yes, a LOT has changed --for the better for the USL!-- in the 9 months this article was written. From the USL Superleague launch, to the success in the U.S. Open Cup (and the villainy of the MLS regarding the Cup) to the mega-broadcasting deals the USL has signed....
Two prime reasons why a club would choose USL League One instead of USL Championship include:
1. USL-C franchise fees are rumored to be $20 million, versus $5 million or less of USL-L1.
2. USL-C now mandates control or ownership of a soccer specific stadium. While the SSS is also ideal for USL-L1 as that brings in potentially millions in revenue and sponsorship and concessions per season, it is not as rigid a requirement by the USL.