Indy Eleven’s future hangs in the balance

INDIANAPOLIS Ind. (WISH) – The future of the Indy Eleven soccer team hangs in the balance and there are a lot of factors that will play a role in deciding it.

Worst case scenario for fans is there is no professional soccer in Indy next year. But the issue could be larger than just one team; worst case scenario for the North American Soccer League is a complete collapse. It’s largely dependent on a United States Soccer Federation meeting happening Tuesday.

Minnesota United, one of the NASL’s most successful clubs, has joined MLS and Tampa Bay Rowdies and Ottawa Fury and are leaving for the USL. The Carolina RailHawks are also looking to move up from the NASL to the Major League Soccer and are reportedly expected to announce a new look soon.

This all could mean there are not enough teams for the NASL to stay a league.

Last week a proposed merger between United Soccer League and North American Soccer League was rejected, according to Sports Illustrated.

The team has a few options, which will be clearer after the US Soccer Federations meeting Tuesday.

According to Sports illustrated, the North American Soccer League could get approval to stay division 2 or 3 league despite not having enough teams. Indy Eleven could move to the USL or Indy Eleven could go out of business.

Indy Eleven is doing well compared to the rest of NASL clubs. Its average attendance of 8,396 was second in the league behind Minnesota which is moving to the MLS. Tampa Bay and Ottawa were third and fourth, respectively, meaning Indy Eleven is the only team of the league’s four most popular teams that might be left in 2017.

We reached out to Indy Eleven officials for comment; they will let WISH TV know as soon as something develops.