The USFA awarded the new ASL exclusive rights to organize professional soccer on the Atlantic Coast.
The new ASL operated at a considerably lower level of professionalism than its predecessor.
With the Great Depression still raging, it was not possible to offer salaries anywhere near the level enjoyed by the previous league.
The inaugural season of 1933–34 saw a fairly impressive level of competition, as well as a few of the stars of the old league including Archie Stark and George Moorhouse.
New York Americans in particular had a wealth of familiar names including Stan Chesney and Erno Schwarz in addition to Moorhouse.