Multiple sources have confirmed to Soc Takes that the sale of the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers trademark is imminent. The buyer of the trademark is entrepreneur Mario Noriega, who has, per U.S. Soccer expert and Florida resident Kartik Krishnaiyer, previously attempted to purchase the brand.

A source close to the bid suggests that the deal has “been agreed in principle,” adding that the legal paperwork should be completed in the next few days. Once completed, the deal would result in Noriega acquiring the trademark, domain and franchise marks of the Strikers. Under the agreement, the team would be able to launch in any league that new ownership targets.

Soc Takes reached out to Bill Edwards for comment on the story.

History

The Strikers are a storied brand of American soccer. Founded in 1977, in the original NASL, the franchise has been home to some great names in American and world soccer, including the incomparable George Best, the magisterial Ray Hudson and “Der Bomber” Gerd Muller.

One of the original members of the NASL 2.0, the then-Miami FC club rebranded as the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and played in the league from 2010-16.

The Strikers experienced a tumultuous 2016 season marred by financial difficulties. Earlier this year, Tampa Bay Rowdies owner Bill Edwards filed a lawsuit against the Strikers’ corporate entity to recoup unpaid loans. In June, Edwards purchased the Strikers trademarks and rights.

As Krishnaiyer’s sourcing suggested, two different ownership groups had previously attempted to acquire the Strikers trademarks in December, but were unsuccessful in doing so.

The Miami-area men’s soccer scene

There are major changes underway in the Miami-area soccer scene. Boca Raton FC has signed a letter of intent to play in the NASL in 2018. Meanwhile, per the NISA website, a Miami team is poised to join the NISA league. That team is widely believed to be Miami United. Miami Fusion FC also plays in the NPSL.

Whether the NISA will launch in 2018 remains unclear.

Himmarshee FC, a supporter-owned club, has declared its intention to play in the Gold Coast Soccer Premier League in 2018. Meanwhile, Miami FC continues to dominate the NASL. Yet, the future of the NASL hangs in the balance.

The goal for the new ownership is to have the Strikers “on the pitch” in 2018, according to sources. Soc Takes understands that influential NASL owners do not want to affiliate with the Strikers brand currently, and the USL does not seem to be an option. Therefore, the most likely outlets appear to be the NPSL or local APSL, and the NPSL would be open to a good market application through the end of the year.

The takeaway

So, there seems to be at least one possible home for this team. Will this historic American club play anywhere in 2018? Will this famous American club play professional soccer in 2019?

In the world of lower-division American soccer, change is aplenty, but the future is mired in uncertainty.

Follow Nipun on Twitter: @NipunChopra7.

Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to patron-only Soc Takes Pod episodes, exclusive written content and tier rewards. Click here to become a patron today.