If NISA is granted sanctioning, league will start play in August 2019.

Per an embargoed press release provided to Soc Takes, NISA applied for divisional sanctioning from the USSF on Friday, Aug. 31. The press release reads:

“On Friday, August 31 the National Independent Soccer Association (“NISA”) formally petitioned the United States Soccer Federation for admission as a Men’s Division III Professional Soccer League. By submitting this paperwork, NISA has asked the U.S. Soccer Federation to approve the league for play in 2019. The U.S. Soccer Federation has strict requirements for professional soccer leagues seeking to play in the United States. These Professional League Standards require that American leagues meet certain requirements relating to financial stability, stadium size, geographic distribution and number of teams. NISA’s application meets or exceeds all Federation standards. There are currently no sanctioned Division III League in American soccer. NISA expects to begin play in August 2019, with professional teams throughout the country bringing an exciting new brand of soccer to the American landscape.”

Soc Takes reached out to U.S. Soccer to confirm if NISA’s application was received.

This is a key moment for the fledlgling league which has dealt with multiple issues including the death of one founder, the defection of another, and a constantly changing group of primary teams.

As Soc Takes revealed earlier, NISA was allowed a delayed submission as the league plans on launching in the fall.

Teams

In terms of identity of teams, the league is believed to have a geographically diffuse set of teams, including teams on the East and West Coast, as well as teams in the South. However, Soc Takes understand that California United will not be a part of NISA going forward.

At least one of the teams in the South is believed to be Atlanta.

* * * Other rumored teams are: two teams in California, teams in Philadelphia and New England, as well as a team in Charlotte. (Soc Takes would like to reiterate that this is not a definitive list of teams) * * *

(UPDATE, Sept. 4, 3:30 p.m.: Two sources inform Soc Takes that “at least one” New England team will play in Southeastern Connecticut, close to or in Norwich. The ownership group is expected to involve ex-Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson. Also informed that Dallas is unlikely to be a part of the initial eight teams.)

The league is believed to have applied for one waiver, which has to do with field width. The team applying for the waiver will play at a baseball stadium.

The league — once believed to be advised by Eric Wynalda — is no longer employing the ex-USMNT international.

A NISA source informs Soc Takes that the league application was close to 900 pages, which includes business plans, financial models and background checks.

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