New York, frequently pointed to as one of the most expensive states for workers’ compensation costs and claims, has recently claimed victim to a professional soccer team due to rising insurance costs. The Rochester Lancers, an indoor soccer team in the Major Arena Soccer League, disbanded due to a sharp rise in workers’ compensation insurance costs.
In an impassioned open letter to fans, Lancers owner Salvatore “SoccerSam” Fantauzzo cited an 800% increase by the New York State Insurance Fund as reason for the team’s folding in July 2015. Fantauzzo noted that for the first three seasons premiums were $20,000 yearly, however, on July 3, 2015, the team was advised that the new rate would be $200,000 with a $77,000 overcharge from last season. Also cited were the facts that the team had only 10 home dates per year and a lack of unilateral control of the venue. As a result, the Lancers, in existence for only four years, will no longer be competing in the league.