A group led by an Atlanta-based real estate mogul and a former pro soccer player bought all interests in the United Soccer Leagues on Thursday, a move that indirectly could lead to Miami FC closing its doors after four money-losing seasons.

Rob Hoskins, chairman of NuRock Soccer Holdings LLC, and NuRock CEO Alec Papadakis made the winning bid for the five-league conglomeration -- outflanking multiple offers, including one from Traffic Sports, which owns Miami FC.

Traffic had teamed with other ownership groups, believed to be the Carolina Railhawks and the Minnesota Thunder, to put together a package intended to fundamentally alter USL's makeup.

Instead, Nike -- which has owned the league since acquiring Umbro in 2007 -- went with NuRock's proposal, which stipulated the shoe company would remain a long-term apparel partner.

``It's a great situation for us because we get ownership that will be able focus their soccer resources solely on us . . . and still maintain the sponsorship partnership we have with Nike,'' said Tim Holt, USL-1's director of operations. ``Nike believes in this property, as evidenced by their sponsorship.''

Hoskins made his fortune as a real estate developer, and Papadakis was a player for the Atlanta Chiefs and Boston Minutemen of the North American Soccer League.

Miami FC president Aaron Davidson, Traffic's point-man on the offer, declined to comment, citing the need for more information on the transaction. However, team executives had acknowledged the possible league sale was a major motivation for Traffic to keep Miami FC afloat.

The Blues sustained the most lopsided loss in their history Wednesday, 9-0 to Carolina. They are winless in their past seven games and are on the verge of missing the playoffs for a third consecutive season.

Traffic had considered folding the club before this season but gave it a reprieve, with certain stipulations: Improve the performance on the field and with attendance.

At 7-13-4 and playing in front of just a few hundred fans a game, neither benchmarks have been met. Now, with the ownership bid collapsing, it is unclear what level of commitment the Brazilian soccer company will have in South Florida.

Traffic has made strides in its U.S. player development efforts, however, signing Under-20 national team member Gale Agbossoumonde to a three-year deal.

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