It should be understood that built into the USL2 fees is an "option" to move up readily to USL1, and eventually also participate in the Pro/Rel excitement and system. LfC, in contrast, is kind of a terminal destination. This is why I wish Kartik had pressed Michael Hitchcock more about why he chose USL2 for his many clubs (such as Annapolis Blues) rather than LfC? I understand that it could have been for regional convenience right now, but still, Hitch could have held out for a couple of years for LfC to build out. Therefore, there must have been other considerations that drew him to USL2 (maybe merch sales for throughout the USL ecosystem, for example?)?
Not all Hitch teams went USL2, some went TLfC and some stayed NPSL. Many different reasons behind each.
Pro/rel excitement is just that and far from reality unless USL ownership is willing to give $2M per team that jumps from USL2 to 1 as that’s the basic difference in annual expense.
USL does a great job in their niche some teams may choose that route over TLfC because they only can get a stadium in certain windows and they need the shorter season.
Continuing on your point TLfC is the cheaper option as compared to USL2, can you give details on the franchise and annual fees for each of these primary semi-pro leagues?
Noah, TLfC is spearheaded by hands down most successful women’s league in US. WPSL successes show they haven’t jacked fees and they are over 150 teams nationwide. Pretty impressive a women’s program can be the catalyst for men’s and not the other way around this time.
Also many times those high franchise fees are to cover poor fiscal management. That isn’t the case imo for USL2 but others yes.
Thanks! Still puzzled by the TLfC vs USL2 annual fee discrepancy --see below Reddit link (*) that states the 10K includes paying for coaching staff, renting and running the stadium, lights, etc.
But what is the "50+1% stake"? A quick Googling has been unsuccessful.....
Those comments aren't showing complete picture. When keeping apples to apples. USL2 $75K (if not waived or middle ground negotiated number, but that is known) $12k/year and $80/player registration. All, stadium, players, coaches, travel and other costs vary by area of country and logistics. Example in TLfC in Norcal, we have 13 teams, one that is 4 hours from a couple of us but mostly all travel less than 2 hours. In Texas some teams have a couple trips over 8 hours.
TLfC intent is to keep all travel under 4 hours by building enough teams, yet sometimes to get critical mass you need a bit more travel, but some of the 12+hour trips are a joke in other leagues.
TLfC is a one time registration of $4k and after that is aside, it is $4500/year and $1000/year for annual dues and playoff travel pool. National winner will receive $10K and it looks we have solidified 50 teams in year 1 which is outstanding and nearly double the quantity of teams we intended for a successful first season. Registration for TLfC, first 20 players are included in the $4500 and it is less than $40 for any additional players after that 20. Then again, all the stadium and other costs vary.
The TLfC registration fee is an annual cost? Is the comparison actually $4K + 4.5K = 8.5K annually for TLfC vs $12K annual for USL2? The $12K for USL2 seems high (a question we should run by Michael Hitchcock at the next opportunity!) so much include coverage of additional valuable items, such as ref fees/ field rentals, or broadcasting/ streaming coverage, etc. The USL2 fee may also include territorial rights, exclusion of a competing club for a given area, which TLfC may not offer?
Great insight and answers from Kartik!
It should be understood that built into the USL2 fees is an "option" to move up readily to USL1, and eventually also participate in the Pro/Rel excitement and system. LfC, in contrast, is kind of a terminal destination. This is why I wish Kartik had pressed Michael Hitchcock more about why he chose USL2 for his many clubs (such as Annapolis Blues) rather than LfC? I understand that it could have been for regional convenience right now, but still, Hitch could have held out for a couple of years for LfC to build out. Therefore, there must have been other considerations that drew him to USL2 (maybe merch sales for throughout the USL ecosystem, for example?)?
Not all Hitch teams went USL2, some went TLfC and some stayed NPSL. Many different reasons behind each.
Pro/rel excitement is just that and far from reality unless USL ownership is willing to give $2M per team that jumps from USL2 to 1 as that’s the basic difference in annual expense.
USL does a great job in their niche some teams may choose that route over TLfC because they only can get a stadium in certain windows and they need the shorter season.
What about how NWSL is wanting to start a division 2 now? I saw that on reddit this morning.
WoSo wants to play the soccerwarz too!
USL can create a Division 2 women's league in a blink of an eye. I mean, the USL-W is already 3/4 of the way there already!
Continuing on your point TLfC is the cheaper option as compared to USL2, can you give details on the franchise and annual fees for each of these primary semi-pro leagues?
Noah, TLfC is spearheaded by hands down most successful women’s league in US. WPSL successes show they haven’t jacked fees and they are over 150 teams nationwide. Pretty impressive a women’s program can be the catalyst for men’s and not the other way around this time.
Also many times those high franchise fees are to cover poor fiscal management. That isn’t the case imo for USL2 but others yes.
No the $4k is a one time. So it’s $4500 annually.
And all active teams are stake holders so a percent of annual net revenue and if the event of a buyout the teams have 50+1% stake
Thanks! Still puzzled by the TLfC vs USL2 annual fee discrepancy --see below Reddit link (*) that states the 10K includes paying for coaching staff, renting and running the stadium, lights, etc.
But what is the "50+1% stake"? A quick Googling has been unsuccessful.....
(*) https://www.reddit.com/r/USLPRO/comments/1g5alm5/usl_2_cost/
Those comments aren't showing complete picture. When keeping apples to apples. USL2 $75K (if not waived or middle ground negotiated number, but that is known) $12k/year and $80/player registration. All, stadium, players, coaches, travel and other costs vary by area of country and logistics. Example in TLfC in Norcal, we have 13 teams, one that is 4 hours from a couple of us but mostly all travel less than 2 hours. In Texas some teams have a couple trips over 8 hours.
TLfC intent is to keep all travel under 4 hours by building enough teams, yet sometimes to get critical mass you need a bit more travel, but some of the 12+hour trips are a joke in other leagues.
TLfC is a one time registration of $4k and after that is aside, it is $4500/year and $1000/year for annual dues and playoff travel pool. National winner will receive $10K and it looks we have solidified 50 teams in year 1 which is outstanding and nearly double the quantity of teams we intended for a successful first season. Registration for TLfC, first 20 players are included in the $4500 and it is less than $40 for any additional players after that 20. Then again, all the stadium and other costs vary.
Do you think the low TLfC fees are only to entice clubs to join this new budding league and fees will be raised when the league is more established?
If I live on the East Coast I would rather join APSL and save a lot more money and get away from being in a college league.
Isn’t that seeming apples to oranges comparison? I mean you’ve got a rebranded East Coast league to national leagues.
At the same time that might be the best fit for some teams it really depends on what you’re trying to build.
I agree. true.
TLfC is $4K registration fee that is not a franchise ownership. $4500/year and $1000/year for playoff semi final and final travel.
I have heard different numbers but USL2 is said to be $75k buy-in and $12k/year for a 6-8 week season.
Some $75k waived with 3-5 year commitment.
The TLfC registration fee is an annual cost? Is the comparison actually $4K + 4.5K = 8.5K annually for TLfC vs $12K annual for USL2? The $12K for USL2 seems high (a question we should run by Michael Hitchcock at the next opportunity!) so much include coverage of additional valuable items, such as ref fees/ field rentals, or broadcasting/ streaming coverage, etc. The USL2 fee may also include territorial rights, exclusion of a competing club for a given area, which TLfC may not offer?