CHICAGO (February 3, 2022) – The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) today released the opening weekend of matches for the 2023 season. While the full schedule is still under development, the first weekend of matches marks the return of the only independent professional soccer league in the United States.

“We understand it has been a longer wait than anticipated for followers and supporters,” says NISA Commissioner John Prutch. “The opening weekend of matches marks the start of our second full, spring-to-fall season and the start of Michigan Stars FC title defense. It’s exciting for us, and the launch of an amazing journey for new clubs Club de Lyon FC, Gold Star FC Detroit, and Savannah Clovers FC.”

2023 NISA season opening matches:

• March 31: Los Angeles Force v. Club de Lyon FC at Rio Hondo Stadium (7:00pm PST)
• April 1: Chattanooga FC v. Gold Star FC Detroit at Finley Stadium (3:00pm EST)
• April 1: Maryland Bobcats FC v. Flower City Union at Maryland SoccerPlex (7:00pm EST)
• April 1: Savannah Clovers FC v. Michigan Stars FC at Memorial Stadium (7:00pm EST)

(*ALBION San Diego off opening week)

The nine clubs will play in a single-table format with an unbalanced schedule weighted on regional play. The 2023 format will mirror 2022 with a six-club playoff – the top two seeds earning first-round byes. All nine NISA clubs will participate in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup.

Matches will stream on ElevenSports. The complete 2023 season schedule will be announced soon.