USL Launching New League-Wide Licensing Program

The USL formally announced the launch of a new league-wide licensing program aimed at delivering further fan engagement and support by providing more licensed club products in the coming season. The league has tapped veteran licensing exec Stu Crystal to lead the initiative. Crystal had previous stints at MLS and Starter, and he now heads up the Crystal Agency (USL). USL clubs previously "managed their own licensing and merchandise independent from each other and the league." USL "does not have an overarching uniform supplier." USL President Jake Edwards said that clubs had roughly $10M in "retail sales combined last season, an average of roughly $300,000 per team" (SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL, 9/10 issue).