When I first started this blog it was with the intent to answer the most common questions, misconceptions, and mischaracterizations about what #ProRelForUSA means, would do, and its potential implementation in the United States.
Yesterday on Twitter I saw this wonderful question.
This is a common question... one that needs an answer specifically designed for the US's geography.
— Chris Kessell (@THEChrisKessell) December 9, 2020
IMO this is the best way to handle it. #ProRelForUSA https://t.co/UrHRuG4PC0 pic.twitter.com/ecDi92DVT0
Simply put... How do we make sure that the largest few cities do not dominate their entire first division of soccer in the United States?
It is a great question and a very valid concern. With the massive economic power of the largest cities in the United States clubs in those cities could very well dominate a top division that only features 16 to 20 teams. New York, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles could easily host 3 clubs each and have 67% of a Bundesliga sized 18 team 1st Division leaving the rest of the nation underrepresented.
This now gives us best vs best from each region running concurrently with the regional conferences
— Chris Kessell (@THEChrisKessell) December 9, 2020
Lots of regional rivalries... something to compete for... the ability for the largest cities in the US to host multiple big clubs without it blowing up the system for everyone else
To recap
— Chris Kessell (@THEChrisKessell) December 9, 2020
1. Guarantees regional representation in national competition
2. Allows big cities to have more big clubs without blowing up system
3. Increases revenue
4. Increases competition
5. Increases access for clubs and communities
6. Creates much needed media storylines
By dividing the United States up in to 4 geographic "Conferences" we now have guaranteed access across all regions of the country for top division soccer. We can begin to think of it in the same way as the Power 5 in college sport. The 4 Conference model gives many more places, between 64 and 80 total, in the new larger competition allowing for far more communities to be potentially represented.
This ALSO allows these large cities to have more than 1 or 2 clubs without blowing up the system. New York City should be able to have multiple clubs, Los Angeles should be able to have multiple clubs, Chicago should be able to have multiple clubs... we have amazing soccer cities all across this nation that should be able to have more than one club. This set up allows this to happen without it coming at the expense of every other mid and small sized city in the country.
With the qualifications for the Super League of America being earned every season (just like Champions League births in Europe or the NCAA Basketball Tournament) we guarantee that each of the 4 regions are also represented in this national competition.
The United States geography and population distribution requires us to come up with a uniquely "American" solution to how we are going to structure and manage a much needed unified pyramid with #ProRelForUSA. This 4 Conference and Super League of America solution solves the issue of the monopolization of a European sized 1st Division by a few clubs in each of the largest 3 or 4 cities.
Just think... right now we already have 12 professional teams in the northeast. This isn't even counting the rumored but not yet announced USL1 and NISA teams from the area. 12 Professional teams competing for Super League spots. MANY driving distance road games for fans.
Northeast Region
DC United
New England Revolution
NYCFC
New York Red Bulls
Philadelphia Union
Hartford Athletic
Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Richmond Kickers
Maryland Bobcats
New York Cosmos
New Amsterdam FC
New Jersey Teamsters
Doesn't this look exciting? It does to me...
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