Several stories have surfaced regarding the Cleveland USL franchise. They range from a guaranteed drop to USL-2 or even dropping out of USL altogether.
All sources point to a new ownership group bringing the club back in USL-1. We have been told that the new owners have “deep pockets” and are willing to spend money to improve the team. All indications suggest that the franchise will be run as a business with less emphasis on non-profit ventures.
The league office is fully committed to the Cleveland market, which has become extremely important considering the USL/TOA situation. Expect to see USL-1 to have between 8 and 12 teams next year. We find it highly unlikely that the TOA breakaway league will even be sanctioned by USSF.
According to the USSF policy manual, a professional league must have at least 8 teams. Currently the TOA sits at 7 teams and Minnesota is in question. The federation also has to be concerned with St. Louis, who seems to be interested in a MLS expansion bid, and Atlanta, who was on hiatus last season. Vancouver will be leaving for MLS in a season, so there are some serious questions regarding the vitality of the TOA.
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Tom Stanley