NuRock Soccer Holdings has acquired United Soccer Leagues from Nike, which had owned USL since buying out British brand Umbro.

NuRock, a USL franchisee with a Premier Development League operation in Atlanta, also holds rights to acquire two USL First Division teams in Atlanta and Birmingham, key Alabama marketplaces.

Nike and Umbro will continue to support USL through a long-term sponsorship agreement which sees Umbro act as official sponsor and exclusive supplier of match balls for USL's professional and  amateur leagues, including USL First Division, USL Second Division, Premier Development League  and W-League. Nike Soccer will also serve as an exclusive sponsor for USL.

NuRock is headed by two men with significant US soccer experience. Alec Papadakis, chief executive and managing partner, is a franchise attorney with domestic and international  expansion experience. As a player in the North American Soccer League for the Atlanta Chiefs and the Boston Minutemen, he has had an extensive soccer career in the United States at  collegiate and professional levels. Rob Hoskins, chairman and a leading real estate developer, brings his valuable management and branding experience to the soccer industry.

"We are delighted to close this transaction with Nike and begin a partnership with Nike's leading football brands which will sponsor and support USL, and all of its leagues, for many years to come. Together with USL Management, we are excited about the opportunity to grow the size and visibility of USL, and to help develop and train the future generations of soccer athletes in the United States", said Papadakis.

Hoskins added: "Our vision for USL is to become the most competitive and profitable pyramid of soccer leagues in North America, while providing affordable family entertainment, and serving as the inspirational destination for professional and amateur youth soccer players in the US."

"This is really the best of both worlds for USL," said Francisco Marcos, founder and president of United Soccer Leagues. "We have new ownership that will focus solely on developing and  growing the leagues, and Umbro and Nike Soccer join us as sponsors to support our franchise owners, teams and athletes."