NASL Seek Half A Billion Dollars From MLS & U.S. Soccer At Trial
The North American Soccer League (NASL) is seeking over $500 million in damages from Major League Soccer (MLS) and the United States Soccer Federation (U.S. Soccer), accusing both organizations of violating antitrust laws. This legal battle, set for trial in March 2025, follows NASL’s claim that U.S. Soccer and MLS conspired to stifle competition and unfairly limit NASL’s opportunities to operate as a professional soccer league in the United States.
The lawsuit stems from a 2017 decision by U.S. Soccer to deny NASL Division II status, citing the league’s failure to meet specific standards, including the number of teams and geographic distribution requirements. NASL argues that these standards were selectively applied to disadvantage it while favoring MLS and its affiliated leagues. The decision effectively forced NASL to suspend operations in 2018, marking a significant blow to its viability.
NASL’s lawsuit alleges that U.S. Soccer’s close relationship with MLS created a monopolistic structure that prevented competition in the professional soccer market. The league contends that MLS has benefited from an exclusive arrangement, allowing it to dominate the sport in the U.S. through practices such as centralized player contracts and preferential treatment from U.S. Soccer.
The $500 millionwhco demand comprises alleged economic losses, including revenues from sponsorships, broadcasting, and ticket sales that NASL claims it could have earned had it not been forced to halt operations. Furthermore, NASL argues that the monopolistic practices have harmed players, fans, and the broader soccer ecosystem in the U.S.
MLS and U.S. Soccer have denied the allegations, asserting that NASL’s struggles were due to its own mismanagement and inability to meet professional standards. They maintain that the standards applied to NASL are consistent with those used across all leagues seeking sanctioning.
The case could have far-reaching implications for professional soccer governance in the U.S. If NASL prevails, it could force changes to U.S. Soccer’s sanctioning process and potentially reshape the competitive landscape. The trial will likely spotlight broader questions about monopolistic practices in American sports and their impact on competition and innovation.
As the trial approaches, both sides remain steadfast, setting the stage for a landmark decision in the intersection of sports, law, and business.
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