Chicago Knuckles is probably named after chicago deep house legend frankie Knuckles. Chicago house is a fricking awesome name, deep house lovers rejoice

NISA need to invest in their marketing. Minimum, get a bunch of interns. I’ve been following NISA for a year and I still don’t have a clue as to how they plan to move forward.

Babe wake up the new DannyT dropped

At last the best US soccer channel talk about this league, what happens to rochester rhinos?

Still waiting on a Las Vegas Lights vid

Wow, I definitely wasn't expecting a video about NISA! Love it! I'll answer some of your questions. I don't really know why, but NISA is very (like, veeeery) bad at marketing themselves: they rarely share information about the league or their competitions, are barely present on social media and, as you could notice, have a terrible website basically only featuring old news. But I know for sure that the Independent Cup is coming back for 2021 and will be an annual competition for as long as the league operates (at least, that's the plan). About Pro/Rel: it's hard to figure how clubs from NISA Nation (which by the way should launch next Fall) will be able to get promoted to NISA Pro, merely because of the Professional League Standards set by USSF. So, I assume the best teams will just be given the possibility to move up if they want to and meet those standards. How NISA Nation is supposed to work is hard to tell, to be honest, and I guess we can only wait and see. Regarding the money to support the league: teams are charged an annual fee instead of an expansion fee. It's those annual fees that support the league. That said, their commissioner anticipated that, besides the already announced Chicago House AC and Flower City Union, 4 to 5 new teams will be announced in the next 30/40 days. In the meantime, one of those team already announced to have submitted its application to join the league, and it's Bay Cities FC, based in Redwood City, California. The other clubs are supposed to be based in the East, according to NISA commissioner. If all those efforts succeed, and if the Cosmos come back from their hiatus, in about a year from now the league will feature about 15 teams, which would be a pretty strong basis for a D3 league. Other cases like Oakland or Miami jumping ship to USL shouldn't happen again, mainly because both of those clubs could buy the territorial rights to join the USL Championship only because of favourable circumstances due to other efforts failing (Oakland acquired those rights from USL East Bay, whereas Miami FC bought those of the folded Ottawa Fury). Moreover, the other NISA clubs are either in the same market as USL franchises (and thus can't join that league) or are supporter-owned and actively against the franchise system such as Detroit City. NISA is also planning to apply for D2 status in a couple years, which should prevent more teams from moving to the USL Championship (moving to League 1 already makes little sense simply because NISA, not charging any expansion fee, is cheaper than USL1 while at the same time providing the same level of competition). Hope I could help! But be aware I might be wrong on some stuff, all in all I only happen to be a random European guy following the growth of professional soccer in the States, regardless of the level :) PS: NISA is also starting a D2 Women's league, called WISL. I guess the women's sides of the NISA clubs will be competing with the same branding of the men's sides, which to me is pretty exciting.

US club soccer history is littered with failed teams and leagues because of egos. Too many people thinking they knew better than anybody else how things should be done, splintering off to do their own thing, then bailing out within 3-5 years because it turns out reality isn't as easy as they thought.

I'll always be a DC United fan first, but I'll make sure to go to at least 1 MD Bobcats game this season.

Still waiting on the @NWSL and #USLC videos

I've thrown myself behind too many upstart leagues that try to change the game from the start. I want them to do well, but I don't want to get hurt again if it goes under. Not again

As a fan of a club in the Midwest Premier League (DeKalb County United) I pray to God this thing works out. If my little corn town club can have a shot at meeting the Fire in the Open Cup because of NISA I’d just about lose it

This video has got me interested in nisa

The end of your video is my exact argument for pro/rel. Besides teams ALWAYS having a purpose to win and compete despite how good or bad they are, there is also the element of exposure for more players from this country. There are kids in this country that could be potential phenoms on the world stage but will never be noticed or coached to become much better. These start up pro/rel leagues benefit everyone even the MLS. Another cool benefit is that this creates the potential to have more local and hometown teams and closer proximity rivalries. Maybe you’re a soccer fan in Winnebago, IL and there’s a new team in Rockford, IL.. perhaps you may want to support a team more local to you than Chicago, knowing that your local team has something to play for and potential to be at the top of the pyramid structure some day.

Why is no one talking about that Détroit City badge? I am in love with it. Perhaps I'm a bit biased cause I'm a sucker for anything that is linked to France's legacy in North America, but DAMN, that badge is gorgeous.

My high school assistant coach plays for Chattanooga

Chicago is big into House Music, right? Chicago has strong history with the development of that style of Music, from what I've heard. Thats the 'hook' with the name, I'm assuming.

Still upset that Baton Rogue didn't get the club we were supposed to.

NISA? Did Jarjar Binks give this league a name?

Great video. Talk about the Canadian premier league next.

Great video. One thing that I don't think you quite grasp is that as a league of independent clubs their planning isn't going to look like other leagues you are used to. The league didn't decide to place a club in Atlanta. The Atlanta club applied, met the requirements, and were approved. The Atlanta club was very poorly run. A better run club in the right location should be able to capture some market share given how big Atlanta is and there will always be contrarians. I suspect that NISA is waiting for the NASL vs US Soccer and MLS lawsuit ruling before they make any firm plans on how pro/rel will work because it could have a major impact on Pro League Standards, as the net worth requirements are the biggest obstacles to supporter owned clubs and establishing promotion to a D2 league. I do agree that the website needs to be better and hopefully with the expected new entrants they will give it an overhaul.

Can you make a video about the Canadian Premier league

I worked in nisa for 1 season as a ops manager for a team. You were right to look at nisa badly.

0:17 I *still* love that stadium rendering

Danny doesn't like green and orange... [Angry muttering from Ireland and Cote d'Ivoire heard in the background]

As a NISA fan (Big CFC fan) the lack of communication from the league especially on their site has been a common complaint. There are a lot of answers to many of the questions asked here but if you have to listen to like 5 different podcasts to understand what’s going on you have a communication problem. I do recommend following Protagonist soccer and especially their Knights who say NISA podcast for more info. Hopefully the league office steps it up though. The pandemic hasn’t helped but keeping a website up to date with info shouldn’t be this tough.

I can't bring myself to support the 2 NYC MLS teams. I'm looking for something smaller but I had the same problem with NISA this past year. The website is terrible. I conbd't tell when the current games where. I t had listed last years fixtures. I finally went to a New Amsterdam game and enjoyed it but I hope they start playing in NYC at some point instead of Long Island. Also, the NISA youtube channel is also never updated. Its frustrating.

Love to see lower leagues being created to create untapped soccer clubs for grassroot, NISA is one of them and USL. We need to see your view on MLS playoffs or single table! Or Pro-Rel. its your decision at the end of the day, love your content either way man!

A problem NISA has is that the league talks about a big future, but is not currently set up to build towards anything like that. It's a loose association of clubs that aren't in USL for a variety of reasons. Since those reasons vary, NISA doesn't have a common goal. Anything the league puts on a website or press release is no different from someone on BigSoccer posting their ideal theoretical pyramid and should be taken just as seriously. That said, go play soccer. It doesn't need to be first division to be enjoyable.

NISA cannot control the locations of the clubs and investors interested in them. Take what you can get. As stated, the biggest flaw of NISA is their marketing. They are to quit for a league with big ambitions. They are doing a lot of good while failing to make any publicity on it. The leagues they managed to be affiliated with to form pro/rel are amazing. It's gotten to the point those affiliated leagues have other regional leagues linking up with them to have a path into NISA. That type of news got little publicity. They are lucky forums like Reddit exist or else many of their fans would be left out in the dark.

DTR, You forgot that 🔥FIRE intro!

I was so happy to see a team in Maryland in the NISA. Sadly for me they play in the D.C area instead of Baltimore. Like their is an almost criminal lack of the sport in this city. I would love to go to a game at Homewood field or Loyola's stadium.

100th Like 👍 and 0 dislikes. Another great video 😎 even if Chicago Onions is fucking great! get the new badge guy on it immediately 😆

The Benchkings want to do a collab with you 👀

We need nisa and usl and other lower tie divisions to talk with mls and us soccer federation and fifa to talk about promotion relegation is the only way

Perhaps they can do sth like the Brasileirao in Brazil, where origianlly there were a bunch of different independent leagues and the best teams from each league play a national tournament, it´s not perfect, but it can work

I am glad Oakland Roots left NISA. Not a real community/club team. Their owner were all about making money and market themselves well, making fans think they cared about community. If you agree follow Oakland Stompers (whom have been around very very long).

The Cosmos should have went to the damn MLS when they had the chance or the USL bring the Cosmos back to MCU park

Hey Danny, good video. Considering you're a fan of MLS first and foremost I think you did a decent job recognizing where NISA is succeeding and where it has a lot to learn. I wouldn't be so concerned with the multiple teams in the same market / competing with MLS. I don't think they intend to do that, for now, the focus seems to be solely on supporting independent soccer, which, I think they are doing a good job with (it just gets a bit discouraging when teams like Oakland leave), I'm a huge fan of them tidying up the am to pro levels, it will take a significant amount of time and money as you mentioned..... maybe more fan funding?? Who knows, I like that they know their niche and unlike NASL are doing more to foster organic growth away from the top tier. USL had to find its footing, I'll give NISA some time to do the same. They could benefit immensely from the investments in media USL made. Although unlikely I'd like to hear your thoughts on what happens when / if NISA can grow enough to rival the USLC... what the heck happens then?

Do a video on the NYCFC stadium saga?

Hey Danny! I love your content Greetings from the Dominican Repúblic.

For what I understood, pro-rel will be between NISA Nation (tier 4) and the EPSL, Mountains PL, Midwest PL and GCPL (all tier 5) and between EPSL (tier 5) and Cosmopolitan SL, New England PL, Garden State PL and Maryland PL (All tier 6)

Loved this! Got me up to date on the NISA. I love Rochester getting a new team

I love NISA. The play isn't the best, but it's still a fun league, and it's a nice alternative to the MLS sometimes

I also didn't like the official NISA website. I also didn't like the new MLS website. Oakland Roots SC is a cool team, Jack McInerney plays for Oakland Roots SC. McInerney scored the first goal and hat-tirck in NISA history. I wanted Chicago House AC to be called Chicago Sting. Chicago House AC is in good hands, Peter Wilt is the owner of the team. Peter Wilt is a legend.

I recommend NISA in the same way I recommend watching anything lower league. The play may be less smooth compared to MLS, but I honestly like that. It's fun watching guys figuring out what they're doing and not being perfect.

I love your content, though hard work it always pays off, I hope the best for your.

Chicago Knuckles club motto: "We Know Da Wae!!!! (clucking sounds)"

Your opinion about Canadian Premier league?, YEA or NAY.

Nice vid bro! Watching from the uk.

I know u make videos on mls and American Leagues, but you should make a video on the super league

Chicago House!!!! so football hipster, I'd copp it tho.

I suggest you should do a video rating the new chicago fire logo for me it is nice

Is there any info about the "expansion" from the UPSL in the US? Here on Mexico there is going to be the UPSL MX and they claim to have FIFA validation

i miss nasl

I was stoked when my local team announced they were going to join the NISA. The NISA posted about it, all was great. They said they were going to have a clear pathway to the first team for the youth. So naturally, I am STOKED. Then, nothing. NISA removes them from their highlights section and the team never joins. And that's fine with me, but can you maybe make an announcement about it lmao

I’ll be honest. I’d like to give NISA a chance, but the moment any fans found out I was an FC Dallas fan they became some of the worst people I have ever interacted with. Their hostility as fanbases have really got to stop. It isn’t going to help in the long run. Especially when you’re getting hostile with the league that has 100000000 times the resources you have.

Talk about the CCL

Um... Seattle Soccer Team put a list of choices out to vote for the team name. Sounders was NOT one of them. Fans wrote in the name and it won!!!!! (Yeah... Sounders are not like most organizations!)

Even before the CSL got involved with the Eastern Premier League and NISA, been wanting to choose a club to watch just to see an amateur club near me but their website isn't great and doesn't look that there is even one near me either (from NYC, CSL is a league that started here in 1923).

Oakland roots are very popular because no one in the bay area outside of san jose cares about the earthquakes lol. Many people want another mls team in the bay in oakland or sf

It’s cool that other people outside the MLS and USL sphere are getting paid to play soccer in America, but it’s extremely clear by just watching the games that it is not true competition to MLS. I mean… They’re playing on high school football fields… and I don’t think every single professional soccer team in the country needs to have a dedicated soccer stadium that seats tens of thousands, but like you can’t even get permission from the school to take the field-goal uprights down first?

I think Chicago House has The right idea, keep it local. If NISA keeps a local focus it can be successful on that scale.

NISA is jokes , the Gap is too far between NISA event with USL1 . For NISA player It's event better to play football in Guatemala / honduras / Philipines top 4 club / New zealand / Australia NPL than play in NISA if you have chances .

Can you talk about Masl too?

the American soccer needs pro/rel system

What are your thoughts on a Toronto fc b team ( plus Michael bradly ) beating the Mexican champions in the ccl

The jv coach on my highschool coaches the md bobcats

i may be in chicagoland, but detroit city forever! they have done everything right since their beginning.

Well, Detroit is now USLC

Danny boy come back to us

the US football federation needs to step in and do something.

As a football fan from England (Crystal Palace FC) who follows Orlando City and Pride, and has seen Tampa Bay Rowdies in the past... This league, NISA, which is the name of a budget corner shop chain in the UK, I hope this league gets it together. I also hope that once they get going well they can incoperate the USL and create such an impressive league format with promotions and religations that the MLS has to take notice and becomes like the Premier League to the Football League for NISA and the expanded USL... That way, US football could see the likes of a Leicester and Nottingham Forest... I can't see it happening unless someone big comes in and puts some proper weight behind the league but it's a nice pipe dream

Have they paid their refs yet?

What if the USL Championship did the college draft instead?

Are they actually going to play in the city, or are they out in the burbs?

Hey Danny do you watch any other leagues that aren’t the US just wondering

Where is our boy when we need him currently watching my team(Miami) lose 1-0 to Chicago what a mistake by the goalie but I’d bet your happy about it

Protagonist Podcasts is generally the best place for NISA news, Section 109 had a 50 minute interview with the commissioner recently on their podcast. Our world is podcasts and free tv 😂

L + S. I want to see more grassroots soccer. I want local teams to have their games covered by lcal cable access channels who can share that content with sports providers across the country. I want to see a sports network that broadcasts original soccer matches, and not matches from 3, 5 or 10 years ago.

Not Into Shoddy Alternatives

I like the Chicago House name but that logo looks like a hardware store

Goal keeper kits?

Rich mls teams should invest

Thoughts on the potential Liga MX-MLS merger?

Let the Cosmos die.....

First ay

I am making my comment at 4.24 First and foremost, I will use The World Name for The World Game of FOOTBALL. My question is this when you have a Pyramid of Football it can only justify itself by having promotion and relegation. Please let me explain ... In the context of where Football came from "England" The Football League started in 1888 with only One Division, with the growth of Football Clubs more Leagues added to the structure = The Football League Division 1, 2, 3, 4 with lower regional leagues. This carried on up to 1992, The Football Association ( who organized The F.A. Cup competition) from 1872 took control of of the Top League calling if The F.A. Premier League. From then on The Football League became The English Football League. League 2 became The Championship, League 3 became League 1, League 4 became League 2. These Football Clubs are all professional paid football clubs There is a lower semi/professional league called The National League and regional leagues below that ... Yet we have a Promotion Relegation system right up The F.A. Premier League ... This is how you have an integrated system thus having an assumption of Aiming High ! You Need To Do This In North América!.

Are you talk about liga mx and MLS merger next video please

Being a San Jose fan all my life I wouldn’t like having Oakland fans visiting our stadium. You all know how it is with the San Francisco 49ers and Raiders right? Yeah.... even the fans have beef.

I have a very much love hate relationship with NISA. I love their ideas of bringing pro/rel and trying to be a different option for soccer in america. But what I hate is their fans (dcfc, cfc, and cosmos in particular). They are a bunch of "holier than thou" fans who think NISA is the perfect league and if you like mls or usl you are a POS." And it's not even outsiders. They hate each other. When Oakland went to uslc they mocked them saying that "was a stupid move" and "they never belonged in the league in the first place" So cause of them I am won't be upset to see the league go under. The problem is the league already seems so unbalanced. The already established clubs, dcfc, cfc, cosmos, and when Miami fc was in. They are head and shoulders above all else plus are the only clubs with fans. NAFC is a joke, stars and la force are a joke albeit they are trying to work on them selves by getting talented players. All those clubs don't have fans. They get a couple hundred tops. I know I sound like I'm hating but I'm really not. I want there to be as much soccer in America as possible it's just as you said: NISA has a long way to go before I can take them seriously

I wish them good luck, but I can't see myself willing watching or following any NISA team compared to a MLS team. Without pro/reg, it's hard for me to justify watching lower "league" teams. I understand the necessity for them in the terms of growing the game and players in the country, but besides that, I can't find a point to it. Not trying to take any of your passion away from it, though. However I can't see this league surviving in 5ish years.

I played in this league for 2 years it’s a mess they barely can make payments to players and staff. It’s a joke. I hope they can succeed but I’m playing the UPSL now, NISA is a bad league.