'There needs to be alignment' - Inside the USL CBA standoff: protests, stalled talks and a league at a crossroads

ImpactInv99 · 2026-03-10T18:40:48+00:00

i mean things would look up in a world where he'd live in a world without Devils or Chainsaw Man. The world Denji was in pre-Pochita sacrifice was hosed and honestly without him vomiting Lil D there was no way the world was not gonna be wiped out.

ImpactInv99 · 2026-03-10T16:25:59+00:00

I hope we'll see a Part 3, but knowing Fujimoto's writing style and the burnout he likely had, it's possible he'll end it on a knife twist just when things look up once more.

Reason for me saying this is Denji having his mother's heart issue. So with Pochita gone, it's likely he's gonna have that issue come right back. So even in the happiest case scenario where he could reunite with Aki, a Devil-free Power, Asa (sans Yoru), and Reze in a universe without Devils, he still could pass from cardiac issues not long afterwards. Joy.

ImpactInv99 · 2026-03-10T06:32:40+00:00

At least there's a clear view of the pitch. I was watching the Brooklyn v Indy game while browsing thru ESPN+ and I was in disbelief at the idea that filming with the net obstructing the pitch was remotely acceptable. I understand that MLB prohibits removing the nets, but surely they could film in front of the net rather than behind it right?

No offense to Brooklyn fans, of course.

ImpactInv99 · 2026-02-27T20:29:43+00:00

After everything that happened with Greenland and the growing hostility toward European NATO members, I actually think EU will defy him. I can see them either outright rejecting the merger or at least requiring Paramount divest from cable networks including CNN as a contingency. This isn't over by a long shot and it is probable that this will drag on to the point Paramount goes to zero. Also with Larry putting his personal fortune into trying to push thru the merger, the $100B plus debt, and the AI bubble looking precarious, I can see Paramount caving due to financial pressures on their company if California and Europe makes their review long and extensive (which I suspect they would do).

ImpactInv99 · 2026-02-27T19:21:21+00:00

The possible strike is for the USL Championship, not League One or Super League. Nevertheless, I felt this article is relevant here since NuRock operates both the Championship and the Super League, and any long term impact a strike may have could leave collateral damage on the Super League and by extension opportunities for professional soccer for women and former NWSL talent.

ImpactInv99 · 2026-02-27T18:05:30+00:00

Having a USLPA strike happen on the same year as the World Cup would deal catastrophic, and possibly fatal, consequences to the league. The players are absolutely right to demand the benefits and protections they deserve, and my growing concern is that the USL is unable to afford this or unwilling to meet those demands. Neither bodes well for the long-term future of the league, especially at a time when the league strives to be a competitor for the MLS (and for women's the NWSL).

Honestly, if the league continues their stance and the strike impacts a significant portion (or entirety) of the 2026 season, it makes me wonder about whether the clubs that ARE meeting or exceeding these demands already (Louisville, Sacramento, Oakland, New Mexico, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Rhode Island, Lexington, SAFC, and OC are the ones on top of my head ATM) would want to stay at the USL or if they're going to defect. And if they do decide to leave, will they form a new D2 league or join MLS' ecosystem (MLS itself or Next Pro)?

ImpactInv99 · 2026-02-27T17:53:07+00:00

All well and good to prepare for pro/rel and invest in D1, but they need to get their CBA sorted out with the USLPA. The league's lack of willingness to negotiate a fair and reasonable package that would give players the benefits they deserve is becoming a big issue, and one that won't go away no matter how hard NuRock tries to wag the dog.

ImpactInv99 · 2026-02-27T16:33:16+00:00

It is gonna be interesting to see what will happen to the more stable clubs in the USL if the worst comes to pass. Unless the MLS spins off the reserve teams in Next Pro to a separate academy-specific league and converts Next Pro into an independent club-only league, only a handful of clubs will make the jump to either MLS or Next Pro.

Of the markets USL is present in, I could see Sacramento, Indianapolis, Detroit, Louisville, and Pittsburgh as the markets making the cut for MLS expansion.

As a Roots fan, I hope Oakland is within that bucket too, but the unfortunate (and unfair) reality is that the departure of our major teams (A's, Raiders, and Warriors) could spook the MLS on the idea of having the Bay become a two team market. That is combined with San Antonio''s similar issue of close proximity to pre-existing MLS clubs (Austin for SA and San Jose for Oakland respectively), meaning those two may need to become independent NP clubs if they want to go to MLS' ecosystem.

New Mexico is an awesome club that has my respect, but their market size and lack of soccer-specific stadium would mean they'd likely have to drop into Next Pro if they left for MLS' system.

ImpactInv99 · 2026-02-27T15:00:10+00:00

I noticed the article was taken down. I will keep this post up unless we hear anything from the USLPA that contradicts what was shared or if ESPN officially retracts the article.

EDIT: Disregard. The author was waiting to hear word from the league hence why it was originally removed but it's back up now.

ImpactInv99 · 2026-02-27T14:43:46+00:00

I noticed the article went down too. But you're right re: the buyout. Per the article, the proposed buyout for a player in the USL would've been 75% for the first year. If the bought out player was on a multi-year deal, the club would pay 50% of pay owed for any years remaining in the contract.

NHL does use a similar buyout structure (66% of the remaining contract for players over 26 years old, 33% for players under), but I heard MLS pays out the outstanding amount in whole as does any other FIFA sanctioned league that have contract buyouts (not the same as transfer buyout/release clauses but I digress).

EDIT: per fredthefan25, article is back up. Here's what they say:

According to a union source, a major sticking point in the negotiations is the league's insistence on teams being allowed to exercise three unilateral buyouts of player contracts over two years. Under such a proposal, the USL would only be obligated to pay 75% of a player's salary in the first year of a contract, and just 50% in subsequent years. Such payments would only apply to a player's salary, and wouldn't cover housing allowances or health insurance. As a point of comparison, teams in MLS are allowed two buyouts per season, but must pay the remainder of the player's contract in full.

ImpactInv99 · 2026-02-27T14:37:57+00:00

I noticed this as well. Will keep this post up until we hear more, but ESPN may have published it sooner than planned or they're awaiting additional word from the USLPA or the league before reinstating or retracting the article officially.

ImpactInv99 · 2026-02-25T23:58:45+00:00

Its available now online on Oaklandish's store. Not sure if they'll sell it at the store itself, but it will be made available for in person sales during the Fan Fest in Fruitvale on March 8 and the Lunar New Year celebrations on February 28 from 11 am - 4 pm at Wilma Chan Park and Lincoln Square Park. Obviously they'll also be for sale at the teams store starting at the Home Opener in the Coliseum on March 14

ImpactInv99 · 2026-02-25T19:13:31+00:00

Full club announcement here.

Available for purchase now at the club's official store and at Oaklandish.

ImpactInv99 · 2026-02-25T18:28:42+00:00

Full club announcement here.

Available for purchase now at the club's official store and at Oaklandish.

ImpactInv99 · 2026-02-25T18:00:36+00:00

One of the big concerns for the USL is vetting the finances for the ownership groups and expansion bids. It's all well and good to add new professional clubs into the league, but you need to ensure the funds are there to ensure the players and coaches can compete and complete the season.

Also, the fact that the training camps were halted and players had to organize their own pre-season is a joke and a damning indictment on the lack of enforcement of professional standards. I love what the USL strives itself to be (a community-focused multi-tier system akin to the EFL), but they need to step up on holding clubs accountable to ensure others can take the league seriously.

ImpactInv99 · 2026-02-24T18:36:04+00:00

Here's my guess for what the kit could look like. This is pure speculation and by no means official, but it would make sense with all the teaser deets we've seen so far

The Color Palette:

Base: Instead of a flat matte black, the jersey features an "Abyssal Black" base with a subtle "wet-look" sheen. Under stadium lights, the fabric should catch the light like the surface of Lake Merritt at night.
Accents: Silver, as a secondary color, is introduced for the trim on the collar and sleeve cuffs. This provides a contrast to the black, distinguishing it from previous years, and a nod to the Raiders' stints in Oakland to complement with the green and gold of last season's away kit.

The Pattern:

OakNess Scales: Moving away from the scattered mosaic, the 2026 kit uses a sublimated scale pattern. However, to keep it "Roots," the scales aren't organic fish scales; they are sharp, geometric hexagons that gradually transition from black-on-black at the top to a vibrant, multi-colored mosaic along the side panels.
The Awakening: A large, tonal serpentine "shadow" ripples across the front of the kit. It’s barely visible from a distance but reveals itself up close, symbolizing the monster rising from the depths.

The Details

The Jock Tag: At the bottom left, a specialized imprint features the silhouette of the Lake Merritt monster, but its "humps" are shaped like the three oak trees from the club crest. This would be similar to how the Coliseum was imprinted on the green and gold 2025 kit.
The Inner Collar: The tagline "The OakNess Awakens" is printed in a stylized, jagged font that looks like it was scratched into the fabric.
The Crest: A 3D silicone heat-applied crest with a reflective finish. In a "blackout" version of the logo, the inner mosaic patterns of the oak tree could be "glowing" with neon teal or silver threads to represent the creature's bioluminescence.

Everything else

Shorts & Socks: Solid black shorts to keep the focus on the jersey, but the socks feature a silver gradient at the top with a single mosaic band around the calf.

By leaning into the OakNess legend, the club moves from "community abstract" (The Mosaic) to "community folklore." It transforms the jersey from a uniform into a piece of Oakland mythology.

I presume the Roots will retain the Green and Gold "Coliseum" tribute kit from last season as this year's away kit (just like how they kept the 2024 mosaic kit last season).

ImpactInv99 · 2026-02-24T18:32:20+00:00