League Co-Founder Returns to Expand NISA Presence in Major Markets

CHICAGO (September 10, 2020) – The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) proudly announces an investor group led by soccer pioneer Peter Wilt has applied for a club to play in the Chicago market. Wilt was a co-founder of NISA in 2017 alongside his business partner and dear friend, the late Jack Cummins. If accepted, the club would begin play in the 2021 fall season.

“Every member of our investment team believes in what NISA is building in US soccer,” says Wilt. “We plan to work with the people of Chicagoland to inclusively build a diverse, community-based organization that will represent Chicago well and make it a better place for all.”

Wilt is one of the most respected and well-known executives in American soccer. Emphasizing community building and fan engagement models, he has launched more professional soccer clubs than anyone else in history. Among his seven start-ups are Chicago’s two first division clubs, the Chicago Fire (MLS) and Chicago Red Stars (NWSL). He has also launched and operated several lower division clubs including USL Championship’s Indy Eleven and USL League One’s Forward Madison.

Wilt has earned record business growth as well as six championship rings while leading clubs in seven professional soccer leagues. In more than four decades in the sports industry, Wilt has served in every front office capacity and has been honored with top executive and organization awards in MLS, NASL and USL.  Peter is a member of four Halls of Fame including the Illinois Soccer Hall of Fame and the Chicago Fire’s Ring of Fire.

"Peter has been a close friend for a number of years and it feels great to welcome him back home,” says NISA Commissioner John Prutch. “He and Jack had a vision for creating an open system of independent clubs in this country, and it's starting to come together. I look forward to working with Peter and his investors and guiding them through the approval process.

“Our investment firm Club 9 Sports advised Peter and Jack when developing the league, so I got to see up close Peter's passion for the game,” he continues. “I'm fortunate to have been able to pick up the baton and carry on their legacy.”