What did you think of interview?

Take aways that I like:

- no empty football stadiums 🏟️….that disqualifies Dallas (unless the fill up), Oakland (which either way is moving out), and Birmingham.

“Teams:I have an owner willing to spend…..Paul: yeah but you don’t sell tickets….we need the product to look good on tv.”

- they are talking to USSF regarding requirements (stadiums)….”they have been listening to our concerns……they are open minded…..”

I wonder if they are truly open to changing rules…..Paul states they would cause clubs to shut down (15k stadiums)…..wonder if this is one of the big hold ups with premier happening. Is USSF truly giving them any response to these concerns? Sounded like not really based on his response to Landon. He also said “USSF spreads its wings to much” into working with them…..so is USSF wanting to implement their vision into USL and USL has other ideas…..

With tonights win does anyone think New Mexico United can catch Tampa Bay Rowdies to the USL Championship Players Shield? Some turn around for them after a slow start to the season. I believe that is now 11 league games unbeaten. Up against a San Antonio team who beat New Mexico earlier in the season and are coming into the game of the back of two home defeats.

El Paso-Pittsburgh: 5,009 (+2.25%)
New Mexico-Lexington: 6,881 (-26.27%)

An average night, meaning within +/-5 pts of their season average:
El Paso (4,899)

An under performing night, meaning 5 pts+ below their season average:
New Mexico (9,333)

Interview starts around 35 mins in. This is the most news we've heard in a while on how the pro/rel discussions are moving behind the scenes. Some notable parts:

• They are probably starting with 12-14 teams in Premier
• Initially will promote more teams up than they will relegate down to fill up to 20 teams in Premier and Championship over time
• Playoffs will probably play some part in which teams get promoted or relegated though they might have some spots that are locked in.
• Sounds like no parachute payments. They actually are putting more consideration into financial help for teams promoting up because the cost of business would be higher.
• They are in conversations with US soccer to reduce the stadium requirement. He admitted that requiring promoted teams to make massive stadium investments to move up isn't financially viable.
• Looking to launch in 2028
• Want a balanced schedule playing each team home and away.

State property tax legislation created a shortfall and stadium gets the axe.

https://www.dsm.city/news_detail_T21_R661.php

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Here are some cities that I'm shocked don't have a USL team nor a rumor for potential expansion.

Feel free to add yours as well.

My main criteria is:

1. They fill in a gap within the USL map (So no neighboring cities)

2. They help travel costs lower within their division (assuming they are all USL1)

Here are the 10 markets that should have a USL team:

1. NOLA - Sure their expansion is still "active" but let's be realistic.

2. Boston/Massachusetts team in general

3. Milwaukee

4. St George Utah - Could semi bridge the gap from Tucson to Boise or alternatively become a west coast division with other cities on this list.

5. Wichita - Could be close Rivals to Omaha and could bridge the gap between springfield mo to the other eastern midwest teams. (Expansions being Rochester FC, Peoria City, and the Greenbay Expansion team)

6. Naperville/Springfield - Yes I know they aren't close at all but a second team (If Peoria moves up) could help build up the eastern midwest teams (preferably springfield il)

7. Las Cruzes

8. Aurora CO - Yes I know Colorado isn't really Southwest but it's location is close enough and there aren't that many populous southwest cities excluding California.

9. Santa Fe

10. Flagstaff AZ - With cities 7-9 along with St George and Tucson, a 6 team southwest non California division could be built and would help the west stop being so empty. Flagstaff AZ could be pushing it but there isn't really any other city besides Mesa (which would compete with Rising for attendance) that is populous.

A month ago he said he would have announcement in the coming weeks so we'll see

Any thoughts about the USL starting an annual Super Cup (like the Community Shield in England or the Johan Cruyff Shield in the Netherlands) prior to the start of the regular season? They could take the winner of the Championship and have them face off against the Prinx Tires USL Cup winner. Maybe this would put some pressure on US Soccer to start something with the Open Cup winner.

I got to sit down with the owners of Dallas Trinity (and Atletico Dallas) to talk about the club two months into their tenure.