We as fans of the Atlanta Silverbacks have a unique opportunity if we can find a way to unify behind the team. I'd like to know what the interest is in forming a group to buy ownership in the team. Please complete the poll to let me and the NASL know what you wish to do for our team.
If the submit button doesn't work, go to this link, please. Sorry for the inconvenience.
http://vote.pollcode.com/51346296
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Friday, July 31, 2015
Atlanta Silverbacks Email Drive
I am a huge fan of soccer, especially the soccer being played in my second city, Atlanta, GA. You might have heard that there is an MLS team coming to the Georgia Capital, but there is another team that means more to most of the soccer fans in Atlanta. That team is the Atlanta Silverbacks. They have been Atlanta's soccer team since 1998 and a staple of the soccer scene.
The Silverbacks have come under some trouble the last couple of years. A lack of leadership and investment from former owners led to the team being sold to the NASL. The NASL is still looking for ownership for the team. I hadn't given much though to this ownership structure until tonight. I came across the Supporters United page on Twitter (@allsupporters1). It is a group dedicated to keeping the Silverbacks in Atlanta. In conversations with a couple of others on Twitter (@CraplantaUnited and @American_red13), discussions came up about the potential for fan ownership of the Silverbacks, which could be a way to not only save the team, but ensure it stays in Atlanta.
Nashville FC, a NPSL team, have complete fan ownership, a la the Green Bay Packers, and it has worked for them thus far.The problem with fan ownership is that it comes with the caveat that higher tier leagues, as far as Google will take me, require majority ownership in a team. Basically, they want someone with deep cash reserves to control the team. Obviously, majority is at least 51%. Fan ownership could be bought as shares to forge a lasting connection between the Atlanta Silverbacks and the city of Atlanta. Fans like myself would love to be a part of their team with an actual voice in day-to-day operations.
I propose that we as a fanbase contact the NASL front office and let them know just how many fans would be willing to take part in such a venture. We can prove that the Silverbacks are a viable part of Atlanta and our fan community in the city and even abroad (I'm looking at you, @SilverbacksUK!).
Below is a copy of the email that I sent to Commissioner Peterson and the front office. (I'm not sure about the Commissioner's email, but if it follows their standard format, it's bpeterson@nasl.com.) The rest of the front office are: Director of Business Development & Legal Affairs Rishi Sehgal (rsehgal@nasl.com), Director of Public Relations Neal Malone (nmalone@nasl.com), Director of Operations Brian Melekian (bmelekian@nasl.com), Manager of Public Relations Steven Torres (storres@nasl.com). If we show that we are united against losing our homegrown and not bought team, then send emails to the NASL front office to show our support and resolve. Copy my email verbatim or just take what you need and write from your heart. Just show the NASL that we care about our Silverbacks and we want to be a part of their success.
The Silverbacks have come under some trouble the last couple of years. A lack of leadership and investment from former owners led to the team being sold to the NASL. The NASL is still looking for ownership for the team. I hadn't given much though to this ownership structure until tonight. I came across the Supporters United page on Twitter (@allsupporters1). It is a group dedicated to keeping the Silverbacks in Atlanta. In conversations with a couple of others on Twitter (@CraplantaUnited and @American_red13), discussions came up about the potential for fan ownership of the Silverbacks, which could be a way to not only save the team, but ensure it stays in Atlanta.
Nashville FC, a NPSL team, have complete fan ownership, a la the Green Bay Packers, and it has worked for them thus far.The problem with fan ownership is that it comes with the caveat that higher tier leagues, as far as Google will take me, require majority ownership in a team. Basically, they want someone with deep cash reserves to control the team. Obviously, majority is at least 51%. Fan ownership could be bought as shares to forge a lasting connection between the Atlanta Silverbacks and the city of Atlanta. Fans like myself would love to be a part of their team with an actual voice in day-to-day operations.
I propose that we as a fanbase contact the NASL front office and let them know just how many fans would be willing to take part in such a venture. We can prove that the Silverbacks are a viable part of Atlanta and our fan community in the city and even abroad (I'm looking at you, @SilverbacksUK!).
Below is a copy of the email that I sent to Commissioner Peterson and the front office. (I'm not sure about the Commissioner's email, but if it follows their standard format, it's bpeterson@nasl.com.) The rest of the front office are: Director of Business Development & Legal Affairs Rishi Sehgal (rsehgal@nasl.com), Director of Public Relations Neal Malone (nmalone@nasl.com), Director of Operations Brian Melekian (bmelekian@nasl.com), Manager of Public Relations Steven Torres (storres@nasl.com). If we show that we are united against losing our homegrown and not bought team, then send emails to the NASL front office to show our support and resolve. Copy my email verbatim or just take what you need and write from your heart. Just show the NASL that we care about our Silverbacks and we want to be a part of their success.
ATTN: Bill Peterson
Atlanta Silverbacks Ownership Opportunity
Mr. Peterson,
My name is Ben Whitehead and I am an ardent supporter of the Atlanta Silverbacks organization. As such a supporter, I have done research on the team and its operations. I understand the Silverbacks have had ownership issues in the past and are owned by the NASL at this time.
Though the NASL, in its current iteration, has not been around as long, the Silverbacks have been an Atlanta staple since 1998. Longevity in American soccer is something that should be rewarded. Atlanta has potential to be a hotbed of soccer. The Gold Cup ticket sales showcase this. It is with the interest of the city that I write you.
To my knowledge, there is still a need for ownership in Atlanta. I and others who love the Silverbacks feel that a viable option would be minority fan ownership. As I understand it, a Division 1 or 2 soccer organization must have at least 51% majority ownership from a party, but there is nothing that specifies the structure of the other 49%. I believe that there is a special opportunity here in Atlanta. If you look at the example set forth by Nashville FC of the NPSL, they have proven that fan organization can work and people will be more invested in their team, quite literally in some cases.
From a publicity standpoint, this could be a fantastic opportunity for the NASL to gain some positive publicity in the city before the launch of Atlanta United. Forging a connection with the city before MLS has a real opportunity could go a long way towards the Silverbacks’ long-term viability. By offering shares of the Silverbacks to Atlantans and those of us like myself who are fans from afar, the NASL can market the Silverbacks as “Atlanta’s Soccer Team” or “The Team Built by Atlanta.” This could potentially save the NASL money as well. Even if new ownership doesn’t come by next season, the League would only be responsible for 51% of the cost, rather than all.
Thank you for your time and consideration. As I stated, there are many more who would enjoy this prospect to be a part of their city’s team. We would love to create a strong barrier between the city and the Silverbacks.
Thank you once again,
Ben Whitehead
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