CHICAGO (December 20, 2023) – The National Independent Soccer Association applauds the U.S. Soccer Federation's position on U.S. Open Cup participation. While we appreciate Major League Soccer's leadership role in the game, we certainly don't agree with the decision to not have their MLS teams play in the U.S. Open Cup.

We believe the beauty of the tournament is it embodies the ONLY opportunity for every club in the country to prove itself on the pitch -- a merit-based competition - aligning our game with the world's game.