MISL Commissioner Resigns; League Eyeing Cost-Saving Measures

MISL Commissioner Ryan Resigns After Eight Years

MISL Commissioner Steve Ryan Tuesday resigned after eight years on the job, and when the MISL management committee meets later this week, it is "expected that league owners will consider several cost-saving measures, including a reduced number of games, a reduced salary cap and the possibility of a more regional structure to the league," according to Charles Gardner of the MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL. The league for the '07-08 season had nine teams, but the California Cougars franchise has said that it "will be leaving the league next season." And while the teams played a 30-game regular-season schedule last season, it is "possible a 20-game schedule could be considered for next season, with teams opening plin December rather than in October." Gardner notes "no final decisions have been made on the front." MISL Milwaukee Wave COO Michael Lafferty yesterday said the league "might add a cup series or bring in an international team. At the end of the day, it's about making this venture profitable." Gardner writes Ryan's tenure as commissioner was "marked by relative instability," as teams from St. Louis, K.C., Dallas and San Diego left the league (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 5/29).