CHICAGO, IL – A unique brand of professional soccer is coming to Connecticut.

The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) will kick off its inaugural season in August of 2019, and New England will be represented by a new club in the Constitution State. The specific location of the Connecticut-based club, its ownership and team name will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Connecticut is one of the best soccer markets in America” said NISA President Bob Watkins. “We are excited to bring our community-based approach to the game to the Constitution State.”

In a move away from the closed franchise model that is prevalent in American soccer, NISA operates an open system with no entry fees. This allows its member clubs to run comparatively higher payrolls rather than paying entry fees that frequently run in the millions. More importantly, it allows clubs to invest in long-term assets such as stadiums, infrastructure, and youth academies that will make NISA clubs a long-term part of their communities.

Connecticut has long been a regional hotbed for soccer supporters. Connecticut was the eighth best market for the English Premier League in 2017-2018, despite only being a top 30 media market nationwide. It is also the home of one of the largest American Outlaw chapters in the nation.

“Connecticut’s soccer community has a long history of supporting the game – particularly our U.S. national teams,” added Watkins. “The supporter culture in Connecticut is outstanding and we’re looking forward to contributing to that.”

Chicago-based NISA has formally applied to the sport’s governing body, the United States Soccer Federation, for professional sanctioning and expects to begin play in August of 2019. Unlike other American soccer leagues, NISA will play a fall-to-spring season. This is standard throughout international soccer, but unusual in America. It is hoped that NISA’s adoption will be a first step towards bringing American soccer in-line with the business practices of the worldwide game.

ABOUT NISA:

NISA is an American professional soccer league.  Owned by its member clubs, NISA seeks to establish an affordable and sustainable lower division league.

Unlike other domestic soccer leagues, NISA has no entry fees.  This allows NISA clubs to invest more heavily in players, youth development academies and infrastructure while remaining fiscally sound.  

NISA will play on the international fall-to-spring calendar.  This integrates NISA clubs into the worldwide game by facilitating seamless scheduling with clubs throughout the world and allowing full participation in the international transfer market.

NISA is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.