“Major League Soccer has had a relationship with the United Soccer Leagues since MLS’ inception in 1996. The USL’s size and longevity speaks to the sport’s widespread popularity and the need for multiple professional divisions in the United States and Canada.” “We recently evaluated the opportunity to purchase the USL but elected to not submit a bid for the league. We will continue to communicate with the USL as both organizations work to grow the sport of soccer in the region.” The
Sources close to United Soccer League franchises report that the USL could be under new ownership in the coming weeks. Umbro, the league’s majority owner, was purchased by Nike in the fall of 2007. At that time there were some serious questions regarding whether Nike wanted to be in the business of running a soccer league. Therefore, it is not much of a surprise to see Nike looking into unloading the league onto another party. The deal would reportedly give money back to the