Part 4 with NISA Commissioner John Prutch- Independent Cup, US Open Cup, Pro/Rel, Pro League Standards, supporter-owned clubs and Open v Closed systems.

Part 1: Atlanta and Savannah situations

Part 2: NISA+

Part 3: NISA Nation, League Office, Club Failures, Open Systems

Part 4: Open Cup, PRO/REL, PLS and Independent Cup (tomorrow)

In Part 4 we discuss the heaviest topics of all. The Pro League Standards, cup competitions and Promotion and Relegation.

NISA has its own cup competition the Independent Cup which pits non professional teams against NISA clubs. Maryland Bobcats and Club de Lyon, then a members of independent amateur leagues used good runs in that competition in 2020 and 2022 respectively to prove their quality in advance of a jump to the professional ranks.

We discuss MLS’ behavior toward US Open Cup and the loaded issue of the Pro League Standards which face a court date in September. NASL has sued US Soccer and MLS about the PLS and perceived favoritism to MLS. Should the NASL win the lawsuit, we could see a realignment of interests within the pro soccer landscape.

Truthfully, it’s tough to take NISA at its word about open systems and PRO/REL given the rocky road of the league to this point BUT I believe the implementation of a club services department at the league office is a MASSIVE swing in the right direction. Why it did not happen years ago is anyone guess, but thankfully it’s happened now, otherwise I would be very comfortable in saying NISA would be dead by the end of 2024.

In terms of PLS, NISA’s concerns about it mirror many of mine. However, prior to this interview I have not seen Commissioner Prutch speak on the record articulating these concerns. And given NISA’s commitment to open systems and “independence” I’d have thought it would be the first talking point for the league many years ago. Nonetheless, what the Commissioner articulates here is from my point-of-view, encouraging.