A conference call held today has confirmed that Seattle will be granted a team in a new top-tier women’s professional league that will begin play in spring of 2013.
The league — as yet unnamed — will be run by U.S. Soccer, which will fund the participation of about two dozen of the league’s players. About a dozen players will be funded by the Mexican soccer federation.
The Seattle team will be operated by a group led by Bill Predmore.
Other teams will be located in Portland, Boston, Washington DC, Western New York, New Jersey, Kansas City and Chicago.
The league apparently will be run on a smaller scale than previous pro leagues, especially the WPL which folded earlier this year. Smaller stadiums, smaller costs of all kinds, but — the new league hopes — more sustainable.
The exisiting Sounders Women have announced they will remain in the USL W-League.
Yeah- great start- Seattle and Portland out here on the coast, next two closest teams are KC and Chicago, then four teams in the northeast.
Not holding my breath for the success of this league. Willing to donate some officials though…
× Flag comment
Reading more, elsewhere- the exclusion of successful women’s soccer ownership in SoCal is a bad indicator. This operation appears to be less about soccer, and more about people wanting to capitalize on a gold medal. They don’t want the folks who have been toiling for women’s soccer for years- they want to move in on something they didn’t create and have done nothing to foster. Would have made more sense to upgrade USL and team up with MLS (Sporting Kansas City denies any involvement with, or knowledge of, the new KC ownership).
× Flag comment
A finalk comment- there appears to be a deal with the three nation’s national teams to fund national team players. A devil’s bargain?
The usual lack of transparency is bothering. Don’t trust U.S. Soccer.
× Flag comment