[Exclusive] NSL Founder Scott Michaels on League’s Vision, Filling Gaps in U.S. Soccer and Breaking Broadcast Paywalls

Major League Soccer has witnessed monumental growth in the United States over the past few years. Despite the popularity of evergreen leagues like the NBA and NFL, it has managed to carve its own niche. However, a new chapter unfolds on the American soccer landscape with the emergence of the National Soccer League (NSL). Scott Michaels, the brainchild behind this new tournament, delved into everything there was to know about the NSL and how it ‘stands as a departure from the MLS’ in an exclusive conversation with Essentially Sports. 

It all started with the special connections his grandfather had with Morecambe FC, where Michaels not only attended the matches but was also able to witness a ‘real-life perspective’ to forge deeper connections. “Football became more than a hobby; it became a way of life, captivating me entirely,” he said. It led him to pursue a leading business in the sport.

Scott Michaels has a unique vision for the National Soccer League

While many Americans aren’t acquainted with Michaels, he has clinched commercial success over the past 15 years. Having launched his own soccer advisory firm, he built relationships with many investors, gradually acquiring franchises. Moreover, he simultaneously gained insights into the value of overall American sports. Assessing the background, he saw that some components the leagues and governing bodies had created were tainted and, in several ways, ‘self-serving’. Michaels felt that many lacked an understanding of soccer.

He believes many ignored the prospective fan base and didn’t improve the league’s overall standard. “I was unimpressed by the lackluster attendance, both at stadiums and on television. With the NSL, my vision is to strip away unnecessary elements and focus on two fundamental aspects: the fans and the players,” he explained. 

While insisting that the league will be introduced in the coming months, it will feature the USA’s original teams. “The aim is to create a league that resonates with the core elements of the sport, prioritizing the fan experience and fostering a platform for players to thrive,” he added. 

Michaels succinctly implied that the NSL will function autonomously without the influence of apex authorities like US Soccer, CONCACAF, FIFA, and IFAB. The entrepreneur believes that NSL, being a startup, permits freedom to explore areas in which standard leagues face constraints. “A noteworthy example lies in the success of Spain’s Kings League, which has flourished by adopting an unconventional approach,” he said. Michaels made it clear that the NSL’s focus was not on making a profit but on satisfying its dedicated fan base. 

How is the NSL different from the MLS?

“The league stands as a departure from the MLS, strategically aligning itself to engage a more expansive demographic,” says Michaels. The biggest USP that the soccer aficionado highlighted was team licenses. Unlike the MLS, whose franchise prices can reach $500 million, the NSL is dedicated to more affordable licensing. Additionally, legendary teams like the Los Angeles Aztecs, Chicago Sting, and Washington Diplomats will help entice the crowd, demonstrating the league’s commitment to maintaining historical value.

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Likewise, Michaels emphasized the NSL’s low-cost tour-based strategy, scheduling matches from early new year until spring. During American football and baseball off-seasons, the league will use unoccupied stadiums, emphasizing a pragmatic approach to venue selection with an initial focus on warmer climates. Speaking about the match’s accessibility for fans at home, Michaels revealed that the league is currently in discussions with YouTube. “The intent is to broadcast games live, removing paywalls to expose Americans to the domestic game and foster a broader audience,” he said.

Michaels also asserted that, unlike the MLS, the NSL does not have player salary caps. Interestingly, they will follow a free-market concept. It also discards playoffs and will implement a winner-take-all format with generous prize money. Furthermore, aside from the development of young American players, the NSL will also focus on drawing in seasoned professionals globally. 

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Do you think the NSL will be able to outshine the MLS? Let us know in the comments.