The WPSL on Monday invited all five WPS teams to take part in an “elite division” this season.

“We want to give them a landing place for a year, but we also have [existing] teams that want to play in that elite league ...,” WPSL Commissioner Jerry Zanelli, who also runs the Sacramento-based California Storm, a long time amateur powerhouse, told ESPN Los Angeles. “We're only thinking about 2012 right now. I think they have to play somewhere, in an established league, and if they don't, it will be hard to pick things back up again.

“We don't want them to lose a year, so that's why we've offered this to them to help them out. They could go on their own schedule. We'll give them a set of [our] ground rules.”

The Breakers, who already have a WPSL affiliate, might be up for it. MagicJack, which was booted from WPS last year after repeated conflicts with owner Dan Borislow, contacted WPSL on Friday about fielding a team, Zanelli said.

“If the other five accept, we won't take magicJack,” he said.

Source: Scott French

WPS what is the impact on LA?

Read Scott French full article: http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/soccer/post/_/id/14284/wps-what...

Tags: Football, Professional, Soccer, WPS, WPSL, Women's, division, elite, five, invited, More…teams

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Women's Soccer United on February 1, 2012 at 22:50

I think this is a great idea for WPS if they are genuine about restarting the league next season. What do you think?

Permalink Reply by Steven Fraser on February 1, 2012 at 23:17

very interesting... I thought right away that the remaining teams should make some kind of breakaway league.

I think the owners have probably invested so much money in the season already that they need gate revenue to recoup their investments, or 'losses'.

Here is another thing that I think should be considered: the US Soccer Federation (who really haven't been THAT helpful), needs to help out and would also benefit from this: Entering the US WNT as a guest team in the league (maybe just play each team once) to 1/ Prepare for the Olympics 2/ Help generate gate revenue.

These friendlies they have played in the past are meaningless, with virtually no pressure - last one I went to in Philadelphia the stadium was empty: in contrast to that there was a huge crowd in the same stadium for the Independence vs MagicJoke WPS semi-final.

Permalink Reply by Asa on February 1, 2012 at 23:27

Agree Steven I think the teams have spend alot of money building up their squad , next few weeks should be interesting

Steven Fraser said:

very interesting... I thought right away that the remaining teams should make some kind of breakaway league.

I think the owners have probably invested so much money in the season already that they need gate revenue to recoup their investments, or 'losses'.

Here is another thing that I think should be considered: the US Soccer Federation (who really haven't been THAT helpful), needs to help out and would also benefit from this: Entering the US WNT as a guest team in the league (maybe just play each team once) to 1/ Prepare for the Olympics 2/ Help generate gate revenue.

These friendlies they have played in the past are meaningless, with virtually no pressure - last one I went to in Philadelphia the stadium was empty: in contrast to that there was a huge crowd in the same stadium for the Independence vs MagicJoke WPS semi-final.

Permalink Reply by Mellisa Shirley on February 1, 2012 at 23:58

Interesting..but who will pay these draftees and current rostered players to move to those prospective cities?

Always comes down to money these gals gotta go where the money and play is...overseas?

Permalink Reply by Steven Fraser on February 2, 2012 at 1:14

I'm sure many will go oversees - but some WPS teams that have been operating on smaller budgets were smart by: drafting local players/players with friends in the area - giving seasons tickets to families in return for putting players up etc... so while the 'league' may lose players oversees, there are still 30-40 players that are capable of playing at WPS level that will be available and in the locality of a team and will not cost the team or players too much.

Permalink Reply by Mellisa Shirley on February 3, 2012 at 18:14

Interesting try on teh local community..but the players need to survive in the local areas of play rent, basic living expenses etc.. just not feesible and will not attract the highest cliber of play to stay... I appreaite the efforts but dont see the interest of the players wanting to move ot the East coast.. when they might have greater opportunites overseas at a much higher level of play and recognition.