Official Press Release: WPS Suspends Play for 2012 Season

Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) announced today that its Board of Governors has voted to suspend the 2012 season to permit the League to focus on the resolution of certain pending legal issues and the challenges that now face the League as a result of its ongoing dispute with a former owner.

"We are proud of what the League has accomplished in the first three seasons, but we do recognize the necessity to resolve our existing legal and operational issues so that we can continue to support and grow WPS the right way," said Sky Blue FC Owner Thomas Hofstetter. "This was a very difficult decision, but one we as owners feel is the best business decision for the League at this time."

The Board voted on Monday morning to suspend the 2012 season. Over the last year the league has faced significant challenges, including a lengthy and expensive legal battle with a former owner. The litigation has diverted resources from investment in the league and has forced the Board to take action, suspending the 2012 season in order to address the legal issues head-on before moving forward with competition.

"We firmly believe there is a place in the global sports landscape for Women's Professional Soccer," said WPS CEO Jennifer O'Sullivan. "Making the decision to suspend the 2012 season was a difficult and painful one, but it is necessary to take the time to address current issues and solidify our business in order to provide appropriate support needed to achieve the League's long-term goals. Those that take part in our League - players, partners and fans - deserve the best, and that is what we are taking the time to ensure we deliver when we resume play in 2013 and beyond."

WPS has established its plans to return to play in 2013, and all five owners of the League's existing teams - Atlanta Beat, Boston Breakers, Philadelphia Independence, Sky Blue FC and Western New York Flash - will remain active with the CEO, Jennifer O'Sullivan, in the governance of WPS throughout the current year.

"We are deeply grateful to our fans and partners for the tremendous support they have shown for WPS, our players and the sport," added O'Sullivan. "With our supporters and athletes in mind, we are committed to complete the hard work necessary to resume play in 2013 and reestablish WPS as the premiere women's professional soccer league in the world."

Source: WomensProfessionalSoccer.com

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Tags: 2012, Official, Play, Press, Professional, Release, Season, Soccer, Suspends, WPS, More…Women's, for

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Permalink Reply by Sebastian Kanty on January 30, 2012 at 18:12

it's a sad day, many players not on the uswnt rooster will have to find another paid gig for the time being...and perhaps some on the national team too...it's a sad day, both for the players and the fans supporting them...

Permalink Reply by Women's Soccer United on January 30, 2012 at 18:14

Absolutely agree with you @Sebastian :(

Permalink Reply by Jeff Selser on January 31, 2012 at 0:39

This completely blows! The women's game in the US is far more enoyable to watch than the men's game. It also FINALLY seemed to be picking up steam with a broader audience - and the recent CONCACAF success and the upcoming Olympics were perfectly timed to bring even more exposure and interest to the sport. Now, Borislow's temper tantrum is jeopardizing all that momentum and hurting so many people - players, fans, kids, up and coming players, etc. - in the process. What a pathetic jerk. If he really cared about women's soccer, he'd find another way to address his issues with the league that was not so destructive. ARGH!

Permalink Reply by vanjory on January 31, 2012 at 3:09

Really bad day for all fans who are waiting to watch another great season of WPS and also gloomy day for the players who have been waiting to show the fans what the league is capable of.

Permalink Reply by Women's Soccer United on January 31, 2012 at 9:31

Agree with you @ Jeff - It is so difficult to accept this decision. With all the recent success and increased popularity since the WWC. He can not truly love soccer because he has just ruined so many people's dreams.