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{{Short description|Indoor soccer league}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2023}}
{{Infobox football league
{{Infobox football league
|name = Continental Indoor <br> Soccer League
|name = Continental Indoor <br> Soccer League
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|most_caps =
|most_caps =
|top_goalscorer =
|top_goalscorer =
|tv = [[Prime Network]] <br> [[FSN Southwest]]
|tv = [[Prime Sports|Prime Network]] <br> [[FSN Southwest]]
|website =
|website =
|current =
|current =
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==History==
==History==
In the summer of 1989 Dr Jerry Buss, the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers and California Sports, told his executive Vice President, Ron Weinstein, he was closing the doors on the Los Angeles Lazers of the Major Indoor Soccer League, MISL, and that if he ever wanted to "create a professional indoor soccer league that played in the summer months, out from under the shadow of the NBA, NFL, NHL, NCAA Football and NCAA Basketball", he would support the endeavor. It was then that the seed was planted in Ron's mind.<ref>{{cite web|title=Houston Chronicle|url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/1997/09/11/Leagues-Governing-Bodies/CISLS-WEINSTEIN-CALLS-LEAGUE-CREDIBLE-AND-EYES-EXPANSION.aspx?hl=CISL&sc=0}}</ref>
In the summer of 1989 Dr Jerry Buss, the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers and California Sports, told his executive Vice President, Ron Weinstein, he was closing the doors on the [[Los Angeles Lazers]] of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) and that if he ever wanted to "create a professional indoor soccer league that played in the summer months, out from under the shadow of the NBA, NFL, NHL, NCAA Football and NCAA Basketball", he would support the endeavor.<ref name="SBJ-Weinstein">{{cite news |last=Duarte |first=Joseph |date=September 11, 1997 |title=CISL's Weinstein calls league credible and eyes expansion |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/1997/09/11/Leagues-Governing-Bodies/CISLS-WEINSTEIN-CALLS-LEAGUE-CREDIBLE-AND-EYES-EXPANSION.aspx?hl=CISL&sc=0 |work=[[Sports Business Journal]] |url-access=subscription}}</ref>
One year later, in the fall of 1990, Ron Weinstein incorporated the Continental Indoor Soccer League, CISL. Ron, along with his business partner Jorge Ragde, drafted all the necessary franchise documents to bring the league into fruition and create what was the first professional sports league to operate under the "single entity" formula in 1991.<ref>{{cite book|last1=CISL Communications|title=CISL Official Guide|date=1997|publisher=Sports Press LLC}}</ref> Jerry Buss stood by Ron every step of the way until Earvin "Magic" Johnson announced he was HIV positive.<ref>{{cite web|title=ESPN|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/espn25/story?page=moments/7}}</ref> Jerry's mind was understandably taken elsewhere for a short period of time. Prior to his temporary absence, Jerry and Ron reached out to Phoenix Suns owner, Jerry Colangelo, and convinced him to be one of the inaugural members of the League.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.funwhileitlasted.net/tag/jerry-colangelo/}}</ref>
One year later, in late 1990, Ron Weinstein incorporated the Continental Indoor Soccer League with his business partner Jorge Ragde. They drafted all the necessary franchise documents to bring the league into fruition and create what was the first professional sports league to operate under the "single entity" formula in 1991.<ref>{{cite book|last1=CISL Communications|title=CISL Official Guide|date=1997|publisher=Sports Press LLC}}</ref> Buss later took a leave of absence from the project and was temporarily replaced by Phoenix Suns owner, Jerry Colangelo, who joined as one of the inaugural members of the league.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.funwhileitlasted.net/tag/jerry-colangelo/|title=Jerry Colangelo Archives • Fun While It Lasted}}</ref>


In Dr. Buss's absence, Colangelo stepped up to the plate to take the lead role in working with Ron to attract NBA and NHL owners. Through Buss's and Colangelo's cooperative efforts they orchestrated two CISL meetings in conjunction with their own NBA Board of Governors meetings. The first was held in 1991 in Marina Del Rey and the second in New York City in 1992. Needless to say their efforts paid off and the CISL was launched with 7 teams committed to begin playing in the summer of 1993 with another eight contracted for 1994.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl/1994_1206578/alive-amp-kicking-in-the-u-s-a-soccer-the-world-s.html}}</ref>
Colangelo and Weinstein took the lead role in working to attract NBA and NHL owners. Through Buss's and Colangelo's cooperative efforts they orchestrated two CISL meetings in conjunction with their own NBA Board of Governors meetings. The first was held in 1991 in Marina Del Rey and the second in New York City in 1992. CISL was launched with 7 teams committed to begin playing in the summer of 1993 with another eight contracted for 1994.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 5, 1994 |title=Alive & Kicking in the USA |work=[[Houston Chronicle]]}}</ref>


Monterrey La Raza made the CISL the first US league to have a team from Mexico participating. In 1995, a second team entered the league, the Mexico City Toros.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Daily|url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/1994/10/7/Leagues-Governing-Bodies/SOUTH-OF-THE-BORDER-ARENA-FOOTBALLCISL-HEAD-TO-MEXICO.aspx?hl=CISL&sc=0}}</ref>
Monterrey La Raza made the CISL the first US league to have a team from Mexico participating. In 1995, a second Mexican team entered the league, the Mexico City Toros.<ref>{{cite news |date=October 7, 1994 |title=South of the Border: Arena football – CISL head to Mexico |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/1994/10/07/Leagues-Governing-Bodies/SOUTH-OF-THE-BORDER-ARENA-FOOTBALLCISL-HEAD-TO-MEXICO.aspx |work=Sports Business Journal |url-access=subscription |accessdate=December 19, 2023}}</ref>
⚫
By the end of the 1995 season, the third year of the league, 50% of the teams were already profitable; a feat unprecedented in professional sports history. In 1996, Ron signed a three-year agreement with FOX Sports to televise a game of the week nationally in prime time. Concurrently he signed with General Motors to a three-year million dollar contract to be the official car of the CISL.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/1997/05/2/Franchises/ITS-A-JUNGLE-OUT-THERE-SAFARI-LOOKING-FOR-LOGO.aspx?hl=CISL&sc=0}}</ref> That same year, the Indiana Twisters became the next expansion franchise admitted to the league.


⚫
By the end of the 1995 season, the third year of the league, 50% of the teams were already profitable. In 1996, CISL signed a three-year agreement with FOX Sports to televise a game of the week nationally in prime time. That same year, the Indiana Twisters became the next expansion franchise admitted to the league.
"The league has become very credible. ... We definitely look upon ourselves as a major-league sport. If you look at the roots of the NBA, NHL, Major League Baseball and NFL, we are so far ahead of the game from where they were when they finished their fourth year." Ron Weinstein was quoted saying to the ''Houston Chronicle''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Duarte|first1=Joseph|work=Houston Chronicle |url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/1997/09/11/Leagues-Governing-Bodies/CISLS-WEINSTEIN-CALLS-LEAGUE-CREDIBLE-AND-EYES-EXPANSION.aspx?hl=CISL&sc=0}}</ref>
In the fall of 1997, the surprising demise of the league took place primarily due to differences of direction between the NBA/NHL owners and three of the leagues non NBA/NHL teams: Dallas, Portland and Houston. They collaborated in an effort to leave the CISL and form their own league, The Premier Soccer Alliance. It is the opinion of many executives within the sports world, that indoor Soccer has never again reached the pinnacle of the CISL since operations formally ceased in the winter of 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1997/dec/24/sports/sp-1945}}</ref>
In the fall of 1997, the surprising demise of the league took place primarily due to differences of direction between the NBA/NHL owners and three of the leagues non NBA/NHL teams: Dallas, Portland and Houston. They collaborated in an effort to leave the CISL and form their own league, The Premier Soccer Alliance. It is the opinion of many executives within the sports world, that indoor Soccer has never again reached the pinnacle of the CISL since operations formally ceased in the winter of 1998.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-dec-24-sp-1945-story.html|title=Soccer League Will Cease Operations|work=Los Angeles Times|first=Martin|last=Henderson|date=December 24, 1997}}</ref>


The Continental Indoor Soccer League Championship Trophy was titled the "Lawrence Trophy" named in honor of the commissioner and founder's Father, Lawrence Albert Weinstein.
The Continental Indoor Soccer League Championship Trophy was titled the "Lawrence Trophy" named in honor of the commissioner and founder's father, Lawrence Albert Weinstein.


==Teams==
==Teams==
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!Arena
!Arena
|-
|-
| '''[[Anaheim Splash]]'''
| '''[[Anaheim Splash|Los Angeles United/Anaheim Splash]]'''
|Private owner
|[[Los Angeles Lakers]]/Private owner
| [[Anaheim, California]]
| [[Los Angeles, California]]/[[Anaheim, California]]
|[[Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim]]
|[[The Forum (Inglewood)|The Forum]]/[[Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim]]
|-
|-
|'''[[Arizona Sandsharks]]'''
|'''[[Arizona Sandsharks]]'''
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|[[America West Arena]]
|[[America West Arena]]
|-
|-
⚫
|'''[[Carolina Vipers]]'''
⚫
|Private owner
⚫
|[[Charlotte, North Carolina]]
⚫
|[[Independence Arena]]
⚫
|-
|'''[[Dallas Sidekicks (1984–2004)|Dallas Sidekicks]]'''
|'''[[Dallas Sidekicks (1984–2004)|Dallas Sidekicks]]'''
|[[Dallas Mavericks]]
|[[Dallas Mavericks]]
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|[[Reunion Arena]]
|[[Reunion Arena]]
|-
|-
|'''[[Detroit Neon]]'''
|'''[[Detroit Safari|Detroit Neon/Safari]]'''
|[[Detroit Pistons]]
|[[Detroit Pistons]]
|[[Auburn Hills, Michigan]]
|[[Auburn Hills, Michigan]]
|[[The Palace of Auburn Hills]]
|[[The Palace of Auburn Hills]]
⚫
|-
⚫
|'''[[Carolina Vipers]]'''
⚫
|Private owner
⚫
|[[Charlotte, North Carolina]]
⚫
|[[Independence Arena]]
|-
|-
|'''[[Houston Hotshots]]'''
|'''[[Houston Hotshots]]'''
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|[[The Summit (Houston)|The Summit]]
|[[The Summit (Houston)|The Summit]]
|-
|-
|'''[[Indiana Twisters]]'''
|'''[[Indiana Twisters|Indianapolis/Indiana Twisters]]'''
|Private owner
|Private owner
|[[Indianapolis]]
|[[Indianapolis]]
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|[[Las Vegas]]
|[[Las Vegas]]
|[[MGM Grand Garden Arena]]/[[Thomas & Mack Center]]
|[[MGM Grand Garden Arena]]/[[Thomas & Mack Center]]
⚫
|-
|'''[[Los Angeles United]]'''
|[[Los Angeles Lakers]]
|[[Los Angeles]]
|[[The Forum (Inglewood)|The Forum]]
|-
|-
|'''[[Monterrey La Raza (1992–2001)|Monterrey La Raza]]'''
|'''[[Monterrey La Raza (1992–2001)|Monterrey La Raza]]'''
|Private owner
|Private owner
|[[Monterrey, Nuevo León]]
|[[Monterrey, Nuevo León]]
|[[Gimnasio Nuevo León]]
|[[Gimnasio Del Tec de Monterrey]]
|-
|-
|'''[[Mexico Toros]]'''
|'''[[Mexico Toros]]'''
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|Private owner
|Private owner
|[[Portland, Oregon]]
|[[Portland, Oregon]]
|[[Memorial Coliseum (Portland)|Memorial Coliseum]]
|[[Memorial Coliseum (Portland)|Memorial Coliseum]]/[[Moda Center]]
|-
|-
|'''[[Pittsburgh Stingers]]'''
|'''[[Pittsburgh Stingers]]'''
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|[[San Diego Sports Arena]]
|[[San Diego Sports Arena]]
|-
|-
|'''[[San Jose Grizzlies]]'''
|'''[[San Jose Grizzlies]]'''
|[[San Jose Sharks]]
|[[San Jose Sharks]]
|[[San Jose, California]]
|[[San Jose, California]]
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|-
|-
|'''[[Seattle SeaDogs]]'''
|'''[[Seattle SeaDogs]]'''
|[[Seattle Sonics]]
|[[Seattle SuperSonics]]
|[[Seattle]]
|[[Seattle]]
|[[Seattle Center Coliseum]]/[[KeyArena]]
|[[Seattle Center Coliseum]]/[[KeyArena]]
|-
|-
|'''[[Washington Warthogs]]'''
|'''[[Washington Warthogs]]'''
|[[Washington Warthogs]]
|[[Washington Capitals]]
|[[Landover, Maryland]]
|[[Landover, Maryland]]
|[[USAir Arena]]
|[[USAir Arena]]
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|-
|-
|- style="text-align: center;"
|- style="text-align: center;"
| [[1993 Continental Indoor Soccer League season|1993]] || [[Dallas Sidekicks (1984–2004)|Dallas Sidekicks]] || 2-1 || [[San Diego Sockers (1978–96)|San Diego Sockers]]
| [[1993 Continental Indoor Soccer League season|1993]] || [[Dallas Sidekicks (1984–2004)|Dallas Sidekicks]] || 2–1 || [[San Diego Sockers (1978–96)|San Diego Sockers]]
|-
|-
|- style="text-align: center;"
|- style="text-align: center;"
| [[1994 Continental Indoor Soccer League season|1994]] || [[Las Vegas Dustdevils]] || 2-1 || [[Dallas Sidekicks (1984–2004)|Dallas Sidekicks]]
| [[1994 Continental Indoor Soccer League season|1994]] || [[Las Vegas Dustdevils]] || 2–1 || [[Dallas Sidekicks (1984–2004)|Dallas Sidekicks]]
|-
|-
|- style="text-align: center;"
|- style="text-align: center;"
| [[1995 Continental Indoor Soccer League season|1995]] || [[Monterrey La Raza (1992–2001)|Monterrey La Raza]]|| 2-1 || [[Sacramento Knights]]
| [[1995 Continental Indoor Soccer League season|1995]] || [[Monterrey La Raza (1992–2001)|Monterrey La Raza]]|| 2–1 || [[Sacramento Knights]]
|-
|-
|- style="text-align: center;"
|- style="text-align: center;"
| [[1996 Continental Indoor Soccer League season|1996]] || [[Monterrey La Raza (1992–2001)|Monterrey La Raza]]|| 2-0 || [[Houston Hotshots]]
| [[1996 Continental Indoor Soccer League season|1996]] || [[Monterrey La Raza (1992–2001)|Monterrey La Raza]]|| 2–0 || [[Houston Hotshots]]
|-
|-
|- style="text-align: center;"
|- style="text-align: center;"
| [[1997 Continental Indoor Soccer League season|1997]] || [[Seattle SeaDogs]] ||2-0 || [[Houston Hotshots]]
| [[1997 Continental Indoor Soccer League season|1997]] || [[Seattle SeaDogs]] || 2–0 || [[Houston Hotshots]]
|}
|}


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{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Team !! Championships !! Winning years
! Team !! Championships !! Runner Up !! Champions !! Runner-up
|-
|-
|[[Monterrey La Raza (1992–2001)|Monterrey La Raza]]|| 2 || 1995, 1996
|[[Monterrey La Raza (1992–2001)|Monterrey La Raza]]|| 2 || 0 || 1995, 1996||
|-
|-
| [[Dallas Sidekicks (1984–2004)|Dallas Sidekicks]] || 1 || 1993
| [[Dallas Sidekicks (1984–2004)|Dallas Sidekicks]] || 1 || 1 || 1993 || 1994
|-
|-
| [[Las Vegas Dustdevils]] || 1 || 1994
| [[Las Vegas Dustdevils]] || 1 || 0 || 1994 ||
|-
|-
| [[Seattle SeaDogs]] || 1 || 1997
| [[Seattle SeaDogs]] || 1 || 0 || 1997 ||
|-
|-
| [[Houston Hotshots]] || 0 || 2 || || 1996, 1997
⚫
|-
| [[Sacramento Knights]] || 0 || 1 || || 1995
|-
| [[San Diego Sockers (1978–96)|San Diego Sockers]] || 0 || 1 || || 1993
|}
|}


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===Goalkeeper of the Year===
===Goalkeeper of the Year===
*1993: [[Joe Papaleo]], [[Dallas Sidekicks (1984-2004)|Dallas Sidekicks]]
*1993: [[Joe Papaleo]], [[Dallas Sidekicks (1984-2004)|Dallas Sidekicks]]
*1994: [[Antonio Cortes]], [[San Diego Sockers (1978–96)|San Diego Sockers]]
*1994: Antonio Cortes, [[San Diego Sockers (1978–96)|San Diego Sockers]]
*1995: [[Mike Dowler]], [[Sacramento Knights]]
*1995: [[Mike Dowler]], [[Sacramento Knights]]
*1996: [[Juan de la O]], [[Seattle SeaDogs]]
*1996: [[Juan de la O]], [[Seattle SeaDogs]]
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===Rookie of the Year===
===Rookie of the Year===
*1993: [[Marco Lopez]], [[Monterrey La Raza (1992–2001)|Monterrey La Raza]]
*1993: [[Marco Lopez (soccer)|Marco Lopez]], [[Monterrey La Raza (1992–2001)|Monterrey La Raza]]
*1994: [[John Olu–Molomo]], [[San Diego Sockers (1978–96)|San Diego Sockers]]
*1994: [[John Olu–Molomo]], [[San Diego Sockers (1978–96)|San Diego Sockers]]
*1995: [[Mark Chung]], [[San Diego Sockers (1978–96)|San Diego Sockers]]
*1995: [[Mark Chung]], [[San Diego Sockers (1978–96)|San Diego Sockers]]
*1996: [[Carlos Farias]], [[San Diego Sockers (1978–96)|San Diego Sockers]]
*1996: [[Carlos Farias]], [[San Diego Sockers (1978–96)|San Diego Sockers]]
*1997: [[Goran Vasic]], [[Houston Hotshots]]
*1997: [[Guillermo Castaneda]], [[Washington Warthogs]]


===Defender of the Year===
===Defender of the Year===
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*1995: [[Danny Pena]], [[Sacramento Knights]]
*1995: [[Danny Pena]], [[Sacramento Knights]]
*1996: [[Troy Snyder]], [[Washington Warthogs]]
*1996: [[Troy Snyder]], [[Washington Warthogs]]
*1997: [[Genoni Martinez]], [[Monterrey La Raza (1992–2001)|Monterrey La Raza]]
*1997: [[Randy Soderman]], Arizona Sandsharks


===Playoff MVP===
===Playoff MVP===
*1993: [[Tatu]], [[Dallas Sidekicks (1984-2004)|Dallas Sidekicks]]
*1993: [[Tatu]], [[Dallas Sidekicks (1984-2004)|Dallas Sidekicks]]
*1994: [[Branko Segota]], [[Las Vegas Dustdevils]]
*1994: [[Branko Šegota]], [[Las Vegas Dustdevils]]
*1995: [[Zizinho]], [[Monterrey La Raza (1992–2001)|Monterrey La Raza]]
*1995: [[Zizinho]], [[Monterrey La Raza (1992–2001)|Monterrey La Raza]]
*1996: [[Raul Salas]], [[Monterrey La Raza (1992–2001)|Monterrey La Raza]]
*1996: [[Raul Salas]], [[Monterrey La Raza (1992–2001)|Monterrey La Raza]]
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==External links==
==External links==
*[https://kenn.com/blog/soccer/all-time-cisl-standings/ All-Time CISL Standings]
*[http://www.funwhileitlasted.net/tag/cisl/ Continental Indoor Soccer League on FunWhileItLasted.net]
*[http://www.kenn.com/the_blog/?page_id=3073 All-Time CISL Standings]
*[https://kenn.com/blog/soccer/all-time-cisl-attendance/ All-Time CISL Attendance]
*[http://www.kenn.com/the_blog/?page_id=4388 All-Time CISL Attendance]
*[https://kenn.com/blog/soccer/all-time-cisl-scores/ All-Time CISL Scores]
*[https://kenn.com/blog/soccer/cisl-coaching-records/ All-Time CISL Coaching Records]
* [http://homepages.sover.net/~spectrum/cisl-history.html Continental Indoor Soccer League history – American Soccer History Archives]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20180918103101/http://homepages.sover.net/~spectrum/cisl-history.html Continental Indoor Soccer League history] – American Soccer History Archives
*[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/115825419/cisl-rules-and-regulations/ CISL rules and regulations] from ''[[The Indianapolis Star]]'' (1996)


⚫
{{Continental Indoor Soccer League}}
{{Navbox
⚫
| name = Continental Indoor Soccer League seasons
| title = Continental Indoor Soccer League seasons
| list1 = [[1993 Continental Indoor Soccer League season|1993]] • [[1994 Continental Indoor Soccer League season|1994]] • [[1995 Continental Indoor Soccer League season|1995]] • [[1996 Continental Indoor Soccer League season|1996]] • [[1997 Continental Indoor Soccer League season|1997]]
}}
{{USDefunctSoccer}}
{{USDefunctSoccer}}


[[Category:Continental Indoor Soccer League]]
[[Category:Continental Indoor Soccer League| ]]
[[Category:1993 establishments in the United States]]
[[Category:1997 disestablishments in the United States]]
[[Category:Sports leagues established in 1993]]
[[Category:Sports leagues established in 1993]]
[[Category:Organizations disestablished in 1997]]
[[Category:Organizations disestablished in 1997]]

Revision as of 01:37, 17 August 2024

Continental Indoor
Soccer League
Founded1989
First season1993
Folded1997
Country United States
 Mexico
Number of teams15
Last championsSeattle SeaDogs
Most championshipsMonterrey La Raza
(2 titles)
TV partnersPrime Network
FSN Southwest

The Continental Indoor Soccer League (CISL) was a professional indoor soccer league that played from 1993 to 1997.

History

In the summer of 1989 Dr Jerry Buss, the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers and California Sports, told his executive Vice President, Ron Weinstein, he was closing the doors on the Los Angeles Lazers of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) and that if he ever wanted to "create a professional indoor soccer league that played in the summer months, out from under the shadow of the NBA, NFL, NHL, NCAA Football and NCAA Basketball", he would support the endeavor.[1] One year later, in late 1990, Ron Weinstein incorporated the Continental Indoor Soccer League with his business partner Jorge Ragde. They drafted all the necessary franchise documents to bring the league into fruition and create what was the first professional sports league to operate under the "single entity" formula in 1991.[2] Buss later took a leave of absence from the project and was temporarily replaced by Phoenix Suns owner, Jerry Colangelo, who joined as one of the inaugural members of the league.[3]

Colangelo and Weinstein took the lead role in working to attract NBA and NHL owners. Through Buss's and Colangelo's cooperative efforts they orchestrated two CISL meetings in conjunction with their own NBA Board of Governors meetings. The first was held in 1991 in Marina Del Rey and the second in New York City in 1992. CISL was launched with 7 teams committed to begin playing in the summer of 1993 with another eight contracted for 1994.[4]

Monterrey La Raza made the CISL the first US league to have a team from Mexico participating. In 1995, a second Mexican team entered the league, the Mexico City Toros.[5]

By the end of the 1995 season, the third year of the league, 50% of the teams were already profitable. In 1996, CISL signed a three-year agreement with FOX Sports to televise a game of the week nationally in prime time. That same year, the Indiana Twisters became the next expansion franchise admitted to the league.

In the fall of 1997, the surprising demise of the league took place primarily due to differences of direction between the NBA/NHL owners and three of the leagues non NBA/NHL teams: Dallas, Portland and Houston. They collaborated in an effort to leave the CISL and form their own league, The Premier Soccer Alliance. It is the opinion of many executives within the sports world, that indoor Soccer has never again reached the pinnacle of the CISL since operations formally ceased in the winter of 1998.[6]

The Continental Indoor Soccer League Championship Trophy was titled the "Lawrence Trophy" named in honor of the commissioner and founder's father, Lawrence Albert Weinstein.

Teams

Team NBA/NHL Affiliate City/Area Arena
Los Angeles United/Anaheim Splash Los Angeles Lakers/Private owner Los Angeles, California/Anaheim, California The Forum/Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim
Arizona Sandsharks Phoenix Suns Phoenix, Arizona America West Arena
Carolina Vipers Private owner Charlotte, North Carolina Independence Arena
Dallas Sidekicks Dallas Mavericks Dallas Reunion Arena
Detroit Neon/Safari Detroit Pistons Auburn Hills, Michigan The Palace of Auburn Hills
Houston Hotshots Private owner Houston The Summit
Indianapolis/Indiana Twisters Private owner Indianapolis Market Square Arena
Las Vegas Dustdevils Private owner Las Vegas MGM Grand Garden Arena/Thomas & Mack Center
Monterrey La Raza Private owner Monterrey, Nuevo León Gimnasio Del Tec de Monterrey
Mexico Toros Private owner Mexico City Palacio de los Deportes
Portland Pride Private owner Portland, Oregon Memorial Coliseum/Moda Center
Pittsburgh Stingers Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Civic Arena
Sacramento Knights Sacramento Kings Sacramento, California ARCO Arena
San Diego Sockers Private owner San Diego San Diego Sports Arena
San Jose Grizzlies San Jose Sharks San Jose, California San Jose Arena
Seattle SeaDogs Seattle SuperSonics Seattle Seattle Center Coliseum/KeyArena
Washington Warthogs Washington Capitals Landover, Maryland USAir Arena

Lawrence Trophy Champions

Season Champion Series Runner-Up
1993 Dallas Sidekicks 2–1 San Diego Sockers
1994 Las Vegas Dustdevils 2–1 Dallas Sidekicks
1995 Monterrey La Raza 2–1 Sacramento Knights
1996 Monterrey La Raza 2–0 Houston Hotshots
1997 Seattle SeaDogs 2–0 Houston Hotshots

By Team

Team Championships Runner Up Champions Runner-up
Monterrey La Raza 2 0 1995, 1996
Dallas Sidekicks 1 1 1993 1994
Las Vegas Dustdevils 1 0 1994
Seattle SeaDogs 1 0 1997
Houston Hotshots 0 2 1996, 1997
Sacramento Knights 0 1 1995
San Diego Sockers 0 1 1993

Annual awards

Most Valuable Player

Goalkeeper of the Year

Coach of the Year

Rookie of the Year

Defender of the Year

Playoff MVP

References

  1. ^ Duarte, Joseph (September 11, 1997). "CISL's Weinstein calls league credible and eyes expansion". Sports Business Journal.
  2. ^ CISL Communications (1997). CISL Official Guide. Sports Press LLC.
  3. ^ "Jerry Colangelo Archives • Fun While It Lasted".
  4. ^ "Alive & Kicking in the USA". Houston Chronicle. June 5, 1994.
  5. ^ "South of the Border: Arena football – CISL head to Mexico". Sports Business Journal. October 7, 1994. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  6. ^ Henderson, Martin (December 24, 1997). "Soccer League Will Cease Operations". Los Angeles Times.
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