The North American Soccer League (NASL) has been embroiled in a legal battle against the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and Major League Soccer (MLS) for years. The NASL, the second iteration of a league to bear that name, operated from 2011-2017 before eventually shutting down after losing its Division 2 designation from the USSF in September 2017. Following this decision, the NASL promptly filed an antitrust lawsuit against the USSF and MLS, alleging violations of federal antitrust laws.
The NASL’s complaint accuses the USSF of using its Division structure to favor MLS, its commercial partner, and the United Soccer League (USL) while stifling competition from the NASL. The NASL claims that the USSF selectively applied and waived criteria outlined in the Professional League Standards (PLS) to undermine their league’s viability. In response, the USSF and MLS filed motions challenging the NASL’s claims, leading to a legal showdown in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
Judge Brian M. Cogan presided over the case and recently denied one of the USSF and MLS’s motions for summary judgement, allowing the antitrust lawsuit to proceed to trial. While one motion was granted, dismissing the NASL’s assertion that the mere existence of the PLS violated antitrust law, another motion challenging the NASL’s claim that the USSF and MLS used the PLS to drive the NASL out of business was denied due to conflicting evidence. As a result, the trial is set to commence on Sept. 9, marking a pivotal moment in the NASL’s ongoing legal battle.
The outcome of the trial could have far-reaching implications for professional soccer in the United States. A ruling in favor of the NASL could potentially reshape the competitive landscape and promote greater parity among leagues. Conversely, a ruling siding with the USSF and MLS could reinforce the existing power dynamics within American soccer, solidifying the dominance of established entities. Regardless of the final verdict, the legal proceedings underscore the complex and contentious nature of the sport’s governance in the U.S.
The NASL antitrust lawsuit represents a critical juncture in the ongoing struggle for fair competition within American soccer. The legal battle between the NASL, USSF, and MLS highlights the challenges and controversies inherent in regulating professional leagues. As the trial approaches, all eyes will be on the courtroom as the fate of the NASL and the future of soccer in the U.S. hang in the balance.
Leave a Reply