I know there are some exceptions but for the first time I just found out Orlando apparently has a Tier 3 USL team now. I really wish the USL would get its head out of its ass and work on a realistic economic structure. I used to get good sideline seats for $10 to Mutiny games and they came with Men at Work concerts after. They want to charge this much to watch a bad product in a terrible stadium (Citrus Bowl). I know USL charges around 500k franchise fee even at this level. Plus for some reason they are in a league with teams in Pittsburgh, Puerto Rico, Rochester, Richmond, Antigua, Dayton, etc. Travel expenses are going to crush you. No idea why they didn't enter into the new NASL and at least have Tampa and Miami to play.
The NASL/USL is just a huge cluster fuck right now, and they'll be losing their top franchise (Montreal) next year. Kinda wish MLS would step up and help lead a 2nd Division league with a sound financial plan. Not gonna get into pro/rel because it won't work in the U.S., but another league for American players to play (and not worry about getting paid) is a must in the long term. Then these 2nd division sides can start setting up DA's and be rewarded for youth development. The Orlando owners have a plan that they'll eventually be in MLS, but I don't know how realistic that is at this point. A soccer specific stadium is a must.
The whole lower tier league situation is a big cluster fuck. NASL applied for sanctioning and got it and it looked like it was gonna be the decent 2nd division league with teams in Tampa, Puerto Rico, Ft. Lauderdale, etc and then they got it revoked. This is something where the USSF needs to get their act together. I still think a promotion system needs to be eventually set up.
I saw their talk of MLS but there is no way. This group can't market for shit and like you said there is not a good stadium option here. Perhaps you can make UCF work and market to the huge student body there but otherwise its just going to fold.
USSF wants minimum requirements for potential NASL owners. The person/group has to be worth at least $20 million, have a stadium where they don't get fucked on the lease like the old MLS days. Pro/Rel imo, will just not work with an American fanbase. Even though many fans are familiar with the system, sponsors and the networks would be vehemently against it and they run things when it comes to sports leagues. Plus, we don't really have the hardcore fans that'll still support a club getting relegated with a couple of exceptions. NYRB would've been in the 2nd Division last year had there been pro/rel, and that would've been a disaster. Also if you introduce pro/rel, you'll have to remove the salary cap and L.A., NYRB, Seattle (and the Cosmos?) will just buttfuck everyone.
NASL is sanctioned as Div. 2 for the 2011 season, the teams are: Montreal (going to MLS in 2012) Edmonton Minnesota Carolina Atlanta Miami Tampa Bay Puerto Rico San Antonio will join in 2012
for Arthur Blank. They would also need to build a new stadium as the one the Silverbacks doesn't look like it could be converted into an MLS caliber stadium. Plus the location isn't that great.