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A New York federal jury on Monday delivered a decisive verdict against the North American Soccer League (NASL), rejecting its $500 million lawsuit that accused Major League Soccer (MLS) and the United States Soccer Federation (U.S. Soccer) of conspiring to undermine the now-defunct league. After three weeks of testimony and evidence in Brooklyn federal court, the jury deliberated for just one day before ruling that NASL failed to establish the existence of a defined market for membership in a Division I or Division II men’s soccer league. As a result, they were instructed not to address any remaining questions in the case.

MLS and U.S. Soccer Celebrate Legal Victory

In response to the verdict, U.S. Soccer issued a statement expressing satisfaction with the jury's decision, calling it a validation of its efforts to support a diverse and competitive soccer ecosystem in the U.S. Similarly, MLS applauded the ruling, stating that the lawsuit was merely an attempt by NASL to shift blame for its own demise.

NASL’s Allegations and Legal Battle

NASL, which operated as a second-division league under U.S. Soccer from 2011 until its collapse in 2018, initially filed its lawsuit in 2017 after the federation stripped it of its Division II status. The league alleged that MLS and U.S. Soccer conspired to prevent its growth, thereby shielding MLS from potential competition. The case included claims of conspiracy to restrain trade and monopolization of both Division I and Division II professional soccer markets. However, MLS and U.S. Soccer consistently argued that NASL failed to present sufficient evidence of a conspiracy or unlawful agreement. Last week, the defendants petitioned U.S. District Judge Hector Gonzalez to grant them a judgment as a matter of law, citing a lack of evidence supporting NASL’s claims. Although the judge initially reserved his ruling, he officially terminated the motion following the jury's verdict.

NASL Considers Appeal

Following the verdict, NASL’s attorney, Clifford H. Pearson of Pearson Warshaw LLP, acknowledged the outcome and indicated that the league is weighing its appellate options.

Legal Representation

NASL was represented by a team from Winston & Strawn LLP and Pearson Warshaw LLP, including Jeffrey L. Kessler, David G. Feher, Eva W. Cole, and others. U.S. Soccer’s legal defense was led by attorneys from Latham & Watkins LLP, while MLS was represented by Proskauer Rose LLP.

A Landmark Ruling in U.S. Soccer

The jury’s rejection of the $500 million antitrust case against MLS marks a significant moment in American soccer. With this decision, MLS and U.S. Soccer avoid a potentially precedent-setting ruling that could have reshaped the professional soccer landscape in North America.