LOS ANGELES (July 23, 2025) - Chandler Hoffman's experiences as a professional player in the United States have given him connections within the game at every level. A goal scorer of the highest quality, he won an MLS Cup and a USL-Championship regular season title and still ranks among the all-time leaders in goals in the United Soccer League.

Recently retired as a player, Hoffman currently is completing a master’s degree program in Sports Industry Management at Georgetown University and will focus that wealth of insight and experience on building with the vision for the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) as its new Commissioner.

“Stepping into the role of Commissioner for NISA feels like a natural extension of my journey,” Commissioner Hoffman said. “I believe in the power of this league to provide opportunities for players and clubs to rise, to engage communities, and to showcase authentic, independent soccer across the country. I’m honored to serve alongside those who share this vision and am committed to building a sustainable, competitive, and inspiring future for NISA and American soccer as a whole.”

Hoffman was born in Birmingham, Alabama and led Oak Mountain High School to back-to-back state titles in 2007 and 2008. At UCLA, he scored 29 goals in 54 appearances, was a two-time All-American and graduated with a degree in Communications and Film & Television. In 2012, the Philadelphia Union made him the first player from Alabama selected in the first round (No. 13 overall) of the Major League Soccer SuperDraft. He scored the match-winner in a friendly against FC Schalke O4 in May 2012 but was traded to L.A. Galaxy in 2013 and won an MLS Cup in 2014 before he was taken by the Houston Dynamo later that year in the MLS Re-Entry draft. In 2016 he signed with Louisville City FC and led the club in goals (14) before landing at Real Monarchs in 2017 and having his best stretch with 28 goals across two seasons.

He finished his career with goal-scoring stints at Birmingham Legion, Orange County SC and Los Angeles Force.

A seasoned and successful professional, Hoffman has an intimate knowledge of the game in the U.S. and has key relationships with major partners. His experience also includes playing in The Soccer Tournament (TST), most recently with Kwik Goal FC.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Chandler as our new Commissioner,” said Matt Morse, CEO of NISA. “What a career he had; Nothing short of remarkable, really. He knows this game and what it takes to succeed at the highest level in this country. His experience and connections in MLS, USL and NISA make him the ideal candidate for Commissioner.”

As Morse and NISA chart the future of the league, Hoffman will play a critical role as an advocate for players, player safety and the integrity of the game.

“He'll bring an ultimate player-first approach to what we're doing at NISA,” Morse said. "The future of the game is clubs and players, and he knows how players and staff want to be and should be treated. That's a perspective NISA has desperately needed.”

Looking back, Hoffman knows what it means to grow up outside of a major market and still fight your way to the top.

“Soccer has shaped nearly every chapter of my life,” the Commissioner said. “From the first days kicking a ball around my neighborhood to competing at the collegiate and professional levels, the game has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence. I’ve experienced the highs of championship runs and the lows of injuries and setbacks, each moment fueling my passion for the sport and deepening my respect for everyone who contributes to its growth — players, coaches, staff, and supporters alike.”

Hoffman will be formally introduced as NISA Commissioner at a media conference on Zoom at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT on Thursday.

The league will announce the Pro Cup location and dates next week.