The Closure of North Carolina FC: A Ripple Effect on Players and the League

North Carolina FC (NCFC) is not the first USL team to cease operations in recent years; twelve franchises have folded in the past decade. This unfortunate trend has emerged alongside the league’s expansion, often due to ownership groups taking risks in unproven markets. The lack of long-term sustainability has led some owners to ultimately shut down their operations.

Players frequently witness the warning signs of such closures in real-time. A former member of Memphis 1901, which folded in December 2024, acknowledged the inevitability of their situation.

“You don’t wake up one morning to a press release,” he stated, requesting anonymity to protect his identity. “It starts slowly with whispers in the locker room, uncertainty in staff meetings, and subtle signs that something is amiss.”

NCFC cited the expiration of their franchise agreement and an application to join the new USL Division One league, expected to launch in 2027 or 2028, as reasons for their decision to halt operations. Essentially, they are closing their doors now to better position themselves for the future.

In an email, the club reinforced this perspective:

“We enjoyed a successful 20 years, but our goal is to ensure the sustainability of professional soccer in the Triangle area for at least the next two decades. There is a vibrant soccer community here, and this reset will allow us to connect more effectively and represent them adequately when we resume in the future,” a club spokesperson communicated to GOAL.

NCFC has already submitted an application for Division One status, which is currently under review. In response to inquiries about the club’s decision, the USL declined to comment. Sources indicate that there is no expectation of other clubs making similar moves to NCFC. When asked about communications with the league, the club stated they could not speak on behalf of the USL.

The general reaction among club executives across the league has been one of anger and disappointment. The president of another USL Championship team described NCFC’s decision as a “betrayal of trust,” expressing a desire for the club not to return to the league.

“It’s embarrassing for NCFC to take advantage of Division One ahead of the playoffs,” they commented.

This president acknowledged the timing of the announcement as particularly unfortunate, given the league’s recent successes and aspirations for the future. “It’s disheartening at a time when so much positive momentum exists within the league,” they added.

The USL Players Association shared similar frustrations.

“When a professional club shuts down, players are left to bear the brunt of the fallout. North Carolina FC marks the twelfth USL Championship club to fold in the past decade, and each instance leaves players with only two months of salary, immediate housing uncertainties, and for international players, complications with their immigration status,” stated Connor Tobin, Executive Director of the USLPA, in a statement to GOAL.

One player, who has a wife and child, expressed being both shocked and disappointed by the news. He was under contract for an additional year on a guaranteed salary, which has now been reduced to just two months of compensation. He refrained from commenting on his prospects of signing with a new team.

Another player, while upset by the news, admitted that he had seen it coming.

“I felt hurt, but honestly, I could sense it happening beforehand,” he remarked.

A third player claimed that NCFC had hinted at the potential closure for some time. The expiration of the franchise agreement at the end of the 2025 season and the noticeable lack of marketing efforts from the club’s leadership—who also own the NWSL’s North Carolina Courage—indicated potential changes.

“I wasn’t particularly shocked due to the lack of marketing from the front office,” he stated.

However, the broader implications for players who placed their trust in the club can be devastating.

“Several relocated their families only months prior and signed year-long leases. Breaking those leases incurs costs that many cannot afford, leaving numerous players stranded in a city without a team as moving away is financially unfeasible,” a former member of a different USL club shared with GOAL.

The timing of the announcement added to the players’ dismay.

The club disclosed its decision just four days before a crucial Eastern Conference semifinal match against Rhode Island FC, a game hosted at WakeMed Soccer Park. Head coach and sporting director John Bradford was involved in discussions regarding the timing of this announcement.

Players found it perplexing that the club would choose a date so close to an important fixture.

“I was more surprised and frustrated by the timing right before a home playoff match,” one player noted.

Several players admitted that the news affected their performance and the overall atmosphere leading up to the game.

“It impacted our training in the week before. Time usually spent preparing was redirected towards HR discussions and other meetings,” one player remarked.

Another player confirmed that “team spirit took a hit,” but emphasized that they focused on delivering their best under the circumstances.

The club commended the players’ professionalism during the week leading to the match, stating, “The players and staff exhibited utmost professionalism in training sessions and during the playoff match that followed the announcement; we are incredibly proud of their effort and heart shown in the conference semifinal.” They unfortunately lost 2-0.

Nonetheless, the repercussions of that decision on November 4 extend far beyond the final score. USL contracts typically have shorter durations than those in MLS or other leagues, resulting in significant roster turnover. In the USL, it is common for players to be on one or two-year contracts, leading to continuous movement from season to season.

Finding employment at such a late stage in the season, when most teams have already established their roster plans for the upcoming year, proves to be immensely challenging.

“The worst part is that you’re late to the free agent market. Most teams have already allocated a significant portion of their budgets and roster spots. You lose leverage that you might have had if you’d known you would be a free agent six months ago. Consequently, you may have to accept a poor deal or one that does not align with your market value,” one player articulated.

Another player, previously with a different club that folded, echoed this sentiment.

“Contract status determines the fallout. Players without contracts can move on more swiftly, but those with ‘guaranteed’ deals often find that the guarantee is limited. In a league with modest wages, this translates to four paychecks and a public indication that players from a folded club can be acquired at an incredibly reduced price.”

The overall sentiment regarding prospects of finding a new club was largely pessimistic. Only one player that GOAL spoke with expressed confidence about securing a new contract. The club claims they have been proactive in assisting players in their search for new teams.

“Once we determined the team’s immediate future direction, our priority was to provide players and staff with timely and transparent information, enabling them to prepare for 2026 and beyond,” a spokesperson stated.

Under the current USL Collective Bargaining Agreement, there are protections in place for players when clubs shut down; however, they are limited. All teams are legally required to provide a minimum of two months’ salary, with some players historically receiving more.

However, what some perceive as an act of goodwill from the league can hinder others.

Tobin emphasized,

“For most players, two months barely covers basic living expenses, especially considering that rosters across the professional landscape are filling up for next season.”

Details surrounding the upcoming changes remain uncertain. The USLPA, the clubs, and the league are currently engaged in intense negotiations regarding a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, with both sides at an impasse after over a year of discussions, leaving little optimism for an agreement before the December 31 deadline. Players from FC Tulsa and Pittsburgh Riverhounds, who faced off in last week’s USL Championship final, wore protest shirts in pregame warm-ups, expressing their dissatisfaction with perceived inadequate ‘professional standards’ from the league. In response, USL did not broadcast the trophy presentation during the game.

“This fall, we reached a stalemate. Progress has been minimal,” Tobin remarked to GOAL.

The USL declined to comment on the status of these negotiations.

Once the current agreement expires on December 31, existing protections will be lifted.

All players who spoke to GOAL conveyed a sense that the USL has not adequately supported them, with one player noting that “the USLPA has become our primary source of support.”

Some players felt the team itself had been particularly helpful. One revealed that the club assisted them in securing housing until the year’s end, while another stated they were assured that the club would adhere to CBA guidelines meticulously.

The club emphasized that player welfare has been a “high priority.” They also highlighted efforts to provide additional support for both short- and long-term contract players. Bradford engaged in discussions with each player following the announcement, inquiring about their future aspirations and facilitating conversations with agents and other franchises. These efforts are ongoing, with the club optimistic that former players will find new opportunities.

Additionally, the club produced tailored resource guides addressing each player’s specific needs, which were distributed at the time of the announcement.

“Guided by the USL’s collective bargaining agreement, the club met all requirements and exceeded expectations by providing additional assistance for healthcare, housing, and personalized support during the transition. We also extended comparable offerings to those not under guaranteed contracts for 2026,” a spokesperson clarified. They also noted that several players have already signed with new clubs for the next season.

However, despite some players securing new contracts, numerous individuals still lack options for 2026. The reality remains that some may not have the opportunity to compete at the same level again.

This situation starkly reveals the human impact of job loss. While North Carolina FC may not be the first club to fold, it is evident that the ramifications extend far beyond the mere need to find a new team.