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ASAP MISL replaces disbanded NPSL
Updated: Wednesday August 08, 2001 5:34 PM MILWAUKEE (AP) -- The MISL is back. Commissioner Steve Ryan announced Wednesday the launch of the new Major Indoor Soccer League, which will operate as a single ownership entity. It will be a collection of individual team operators who each hold a financial stake in the league. The MISL replaces the National Professional Soccer League, which disbanded this week. Members of the NPSL's board of directors said the league no longer was financially viable. Ryan said the new league structure will allow teams to operate autonomously while pooling resources and avoiding the financial pitfalls that befell the NPSL. "The new business plan makes out league stronger, makes our league more viable," he said. "We have an extraordinary product that has been undermarketed and undervalued." Eight former NPSL clubs -- Milwaukee, Baltimore, Cleveland, Harrisburg, Pa., Kansas City, Mo., and Philadelphia -- will participate in the upcoming season. Detroit and Toronto will take part in the 2002-03 season after they make some changes, Ryan said. "They're doing some hard work getting their business operations up to a standard that I would approve," Ryan said. Players will be under contract to the league but no immediate moves are planned, he said. Ryan said he has extended invitations to teams in other markets to join the league by Oct. 1. "We now have a strong foundation of teams from which we can move forward, build, and grow. The investor group has never been stronger or more committed to the direction of the league than they are today," he said. The Milwaukee Wave will serve as a model for other team operations -- on and off the field, Ryan said. The Wave, who at 17 years are the oldest professional soccer franchise in the United States, has increased attendance and revenues while winning three championships. Ryan is a former president of NHL Enterprises, as well as chief executive officer of the NPSL, which operated for 17 seasons. The original MISL was the first professional indoor soccer league in North America, operating from 1978-1992 in 26 cities. "The name Major Indoor Soccer League better describes who we are; it truly defines our product," Ryan said. "Additionally, the original MISL was an innovative, pioneering league and its name signifies tradition and history in our sport."
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