U.S. Soccer, MLS Win Antitrust Case Against NASL

A federal jury has ruled in favor of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and Major League Soccer (MLS) in an antitrust lawsuit filed by the now-defunct North American Soccer League (NASL). The NASL claimed that USSF and MLS conspired to monopolize professional soccer in the U.S. and Canada by denying it Division 2 status, which led to its collapse. The jury found the NASL's accusations meritless, citing a lack of substantial evidence of a conspiracy or harm to the market. This verdict, which the NASL plans to appeal, ends a legal dispute that has persisted since 2017. The decision is considered a significant victory for USSF and MLS, affirming their strategic relationship and the existing league structure. The NASL had sought $500 million in damages, but the potential damages were significantly reduced before the case was dismissed.