The fate of the seven-year-old NASL "hangs in the balance," as owners on Friday will gather and attempt to come up with a "viable plan to meet the standards established for second-division professional leagues" after the USSF last week denied the NASL's request for '18 sanctioning, according to Brian Straus of SI.com. Without second-tier sanctioning, the eight-team league is "in serious trouble." Sponsors, TV partners and segments of the media and fan base "do care about division designation, and owners believe it impacts their asset's value and appeal." Falling to D-III "isn't going to be a well-received option in the NASL board room." The USSF "handled the sanctioning issue last winter" by offering provisional D-II status for '17 to both the NASL and the USL. The USL has "30 members currently and will comprise at least 33 next season." Meanwhile, Straus noted the NASL's issues are "more significant." D-II leagues "must field at least 12 teams (in three time zones)." The NASL had eight this season, and even though it has "commitments from expansion outfits" in San Diego and Orange County, Calif., for '18, there are "questions about the viability of several current members." The USSF "did not believe the NASL offered a clear plan for 12, and the timeline discussed -- three years, according to a source -- was unacceptable." Although the USSF "didn't offer an official lifeline or path back" to D-II sanctioning in '18, NASL is "going to try to hack one out anyway." It is understood that NASL, whose brand is "grounded in an embrace of the free market, is considering a couple compromises if it helps teams enter and/or survive." Spending cuts, a salary cap/budget, tighter roster regulations, reduced entry fees and additional financial support for new or existing clubs are "all on the table" (SI.com, 9/14).
