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How apartheid, European racism and Pelé helped cultivate a culture of diversity in US soccer that endures into Messi-era MLS

Tomorrow, Feb. 21, 2026, Major League Soccer resumes play after winter break, billed as North America’s most diverse professional league, in analysis by John M. Sloop republished from The Conversation.
The North American Soccer League recruited talented but undervalued African and African diaspora players, shaped by overseas racism and apartheid in South Africa.
Owners and commissioner Phil Woosnam implemented rule tweaks and American-style add-ons like tailgating and cheerleaders, which raised attendances and media profile but early TV ratings were poor with average crowds about 6,000 in 1973.
Despite its problems, the NASL's legacy includes a wage gap between European and African/Caribbean players, while the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport found 63% of players and 36% of head coaches are racial minorities.
Some players stayed and built grassroots soccer, exemplified by Lincoln Phillips coaching Howard University’s men's team and helping found the Black Soccer Coaches Association, while Patrick 'Ace' Ntsoelengoe saw NASL as an escape from apartheid.

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