Kartik's Notebook: NPSL, USSF handling of USMNT coaching search and transfer news from Europe

We’re in the middle of summer league adult-amateur season on both the men’s and women’s side of the ledger and beyond the usual churn and burn I’m hearing we may have a tumultuous offseason.

It’s growing more apparent the model of national adult-amateur leagues is breaking as the fee structure associated with USL League Two and NPSL is becoming increasingly cost-prohibitive. In addition, the direction of NPSL under its current leadership is increasingly worrisome to multiple club owners I speak to. It’s worth noting UPSL has also recently gone through its own management shift in recent years.

My understanding is at least a half dozen high-level clubs are considering leaving NPSL before next spring. Among these clubs includes some of the best legacy stories in the league’s recent history.

Regional adult-amateur leagues are appearing increasingly attractive to club owners for a multitude of reasons including more limited travel, more control over league decisions, more structure, a potential for a longer season and more vertical integration of clubs that have youth systems or women’s teams.

Keep an eye on this space. Some big changes are increasingly likely to occur.