It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast

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
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Following the sacking of Ruben Amorim by Manchester United, here is a recommended replay from our episode released in November 2024, when Amorim first arrived at Manchester United. Jonathan and Rob discuss the clubs persistent challenge in finding a manager capable of replicating the legacy left by its legendary figures - something that still stands today... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue onto part two of a four-part special on the North American Soccer League (NASL). They discuss the initial attempts to establish professional soccer leagues in America, including the rivalries between the NASL and the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL). The episode covers the impact of foreign teams, the financial and logistical hurdles, and the ongoing struggle to gain popularity and acceptance in the U.S. market. With input from past experiences and key figures, they provide an in-depth look at why American soccer faced numerous setbacks and what was done to overcome them. Join us next week for part three!

01:09 The Early Years of Soccer in the USA
01:34 The Impact of the Wall Street Crash
06:46 Post-War Challenges
09:43 The Decline of American Soccer in the 1950s
21:46 The 1960s: A Decade of Missed Opportunities
27:15 The Birth of the NASL
33:25 Lack of American Players in Early Leagues
34:55 Rival Leagues: NPSL vs NASL
35:42 Initial Matches and Attendance Issues
40:11 Discipline Problems and Game Abandonments
48:10 Financial Struggles and Legal Battles
49:13 National Team Struggles and Attempts at Growth
50:31 Foreign Influence and Pre-season Tours
54:48 Financial Instability and League Contraction
58:20 NASL's Unconventional Season Format
01:00:32 Legacy and Future Prospects of NASL
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Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Today, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper bring you a New Years Day Special Episode. We hope you enjoy and wish you all a Happy New Year! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.