Welcome back to It Was What it Was, the football history podcast. In the final episode of our four-part special on the NASL, co-hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson delve into the decline and eventual collapse of the league. From financial instability, over-expansion, and missed opportunities, to the controversial business decisions and the rise of indoor soccer. This episode covers the myriad of factors that led to the NASL's downfall. Explore the final turbulent years, the impact on US Soccer, and the lessons learned from one of football's most intriguing leagues.

00:00 Introduction to the NASL and Its Peak

02:08 The Decline Begins: Post-Pele Era

05:36 Celebrity Owners and Financial Woes

09:01 The Cosmos' Dominance and League Format Issues

19:21 Franchise Movements and Player Strikes

29:03 The Beginning of the End: Financial Losses and Decline

36:13 Ownership Disputes and Relocations

37:53 Franchise Failures and Player Movements

43:34 NASL's Struggles and FIFA's Ultimatum

44:28 The Final Collapse of NASL

55:18 Failed Experiments and Indoor Soccer

01:01:49 The End of NASL and Its Legacy

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Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this third episode of our four-part special on the North American Soccer League (NASL), co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper dive deep into the transformation kicked off by the arrival of legendary soccer star Pele. We go on an epic journey of the NASL, from shambolic beginnings to becoming one of the most iconic and influential leagues in world football, even if just for a short while. We explore how the NASL went from drawing crowds, to attracting the highest-paid player in the world, and the ensuing excitement and challenges that followed. Featuring the key moments, star players, innovative marketing strategies, and the initial signs of financial instability, this episode captures the league at its highest just before its inevitable decline. Don't miss this fascinating look at the peaks of NASL's history and what ultimately led the league to stumble. Tune in next week for the final episode of this four-part series.

02:33 The Growth of Soccer in American Schools and Colleges

03:32 Financial Struggles and the Arrival of Pele

13:54 Innovative Rule Changes and Attendance Issues

18:11 The Role of Media and Celebrity Influence

23:55 The NASL's Expansion and Financial Commitments

31:20 The Pursuit of Soccer Superstars

33:01 Pele's Impact on American Soccer

34:56 The Rise of NASL Franchises

36:59 Challenges and Financial Struggles

39:11 Marketing Gimmicks and Celebrity Players

55:03 The Golden Year of 1977

01:04:36 Pele's Farewell and Future Uncertainties

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.