The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), currently one of the three leagues sharing the position of the third division in the USA, is the professional soccer league with the most distinct proposal in North America. Unlike the others, NISA adopts a club model rather than a franchise model, where the league has much less control over the clubs compared to rival competitions.
As happens worldwide, leagues that bring a club model rather than a franchise model will occasionally face problems. But despite recent controversies and frequent challenges, NISA clubs have managed to qualify their squads and are fulfilling their role in developing players for the rest of North America and the world.
According to a study by BSA Sports Management, more than 80 players have left NISA for other leagues in North America (MLS, USLC, USL1, MLSNP, and CPL). The study, based on the Transfermarkt website, did not consider players who moved due to league expansions (Miami, Detroit, Oakland, Chattanooga) and also did not include players who moved to other parts of the world. If these players were included, the number would reach close to 150 athletes.
THE STUDY
According to the research conducted by BSA, USL League One is the main path for players from NISA: Approximately 43 have left NISA for League One. The club that has benefited most from this market so far is Chattanooga Red Wolves, with 9 players, followed by CV Fuego, with 8.
Secondly, the USL Championship has seen 26 players from NISA. This season, Alex Dalou moved from Albion San Diego to FC Tulsa, and Daniel Gagliardi signed to play for Miami FC.
Thirdly, MLS Next Pro has seen 9 players from NISA. In 2024, Carolina Core signed three players from NISA, while Chattanooga FC brought several players who were already in the league and the club for their inaugural season in Next Pro.
Names like Anthony Patti, Alex Sutton and Jonathan Bazaes, for example, make the jump to other USL1 and MLS Next Pro this season.
KEY NAMES
Some of the main names in other North American leagues have passed through NISA. In 2021, Danny Trejo, now valued at over 500 thousand euros, played for LA Force before signing with LAFC in MLS. Currently, the player defends Korona Kielce in Poland.
Full-back Bruno Rendon played for Syracuse Pulse in 2022 and last year signed with Hailstorm FC, becoming one of the key players for the team.
In 2023, Mayele Malango moved from Albion San Diego to Chattanooga Red Wolves and became an important piece of the Tennessee team. Tate Robertson signed with Lexington SC in 2023 and remains an important player for the team, as does Nick Spielman at Charlotte Independence.
Now a forward for Madison FC, Christian Chaney was a player for LA Force in 2021 before signing with Fuego the following year. In 2021, Jesus Batiz played for New Amsterdam and the next year defended Rochester FCNY in MLS Next Pro. Today, he plays for Toronto FC II.
TALENTS IN EVERY POSITION
Interestingly, the most sought-after position in NISA is center–back, with approximately 18 signings. In second place are wingers, closely followed by strikers.
These numbers and cases above show that, despite NISA having a smaller budget compared to USL and MLS, the league still possesses talents and players who can make a difference in any environment and league. The league has been a good platform to provide players opportunity to showcase and develop.
BSA has been doing an excellent job of identifying and working with the top talents from NISA, not just players, but also coaches.
BSA Sports Management 
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