Women's Professional Soccer Suspends Operations Permanently
In a statement posted on the WPS Official Facebook page (below), we are sad to confirm the WPS has ceased operations permanently. On behalf of all at Women's Soccer United we want to thank the league staff and players for the fantastic seasons and we look forward to the future of women's soccer in the USA.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (May 18, 2012) – The WPS Board of Governors agreed today to suspend all League operations permanently and dissolve the League.
“We sincerely regret having to take this course of action,” said T. Fitz Johnson, Atlanta Beat Owner and Chairman of the Board. The suspension of League operations will be effective immediately as the Board of Governors begins the process of dissolving the League.
“We are proud of what WPS has accomplished, having attracted the highest quality players in the world to play in the best women’s league, as well as the progress women’s soccer has enjoyed over the past three years,” said Thomas Hofstetter, Chief Executive Officer and President of Sky Blue Women’s Soccer, Inc. “We are extremely grateful to our sponsors, the talented players and dedicated fans that made this league so special. They, along with our teams, have invested an incredible amount of resources for the benefit of the women who played in WPS and the young players who aspire to play professionally someday.”
© Women's Soccer United
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Tags: 2012, Operations, Permanently, Professional, Soccer, Suspends, Women's
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Women's Soccer United on -
Such a shame for the league to end this way, looked like there was so much opportunity following the WWC
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Permalink Reply by Steven Fraser on -
so Magic Joke and Dan Bori-slow did win something in the end....
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Permalink Reply by Women's Soccer United on
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Unfortunately it seems so :(
Steven Fraser said:so Magic Joke and Dan Bori-slow did win something in the end....
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Permalink Reply by Women's Soccer United on
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I guess the league was struggling before though, as that was why Borislow got involved.
Do you think they will attempt another pro league in USA?
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Permalink Reply by Steven Fraser on
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the draw of having 6 teams rather than 5 was the main reason they let Borislow get involved. The league was doing 'ok' with 5 last season until he decided to sue the league... I think they would have attracted some more teams as they were in talks with owners in NY, CA, WA and other areas.
I think the WPSL Elite League could possibly grow into a stronger league and maybe operate at a higher level financially, will be interesting to see if gradually building up the league from the bottom up rather than splashing out millions will be a more effective way to 'grow' a league in it's formative years.
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Permalink Reply by Women's Soccer United on
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League and Borislow agreement - from WPS Facebook
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (May 18, 2012) – Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) and magicJack owner Dan Borislow announced today that all matters and claims giving rise to the lawsuit filed in Palm Beach County have been settled by a mutual confidential agreement outside of court.The parties, separated by differing opinions on the interpretation of the bylaws and governance of the League, have both expressed their satisfaction that a resolution has been reached that allows both WPS and Mr. Borislow to move beyond the lawsuit that bound them in court.“In retrospect, we wish certain things had happened differently but magicJack, like all WPS teams, invested a tremendous amount of resources in and contributed to the growth and development of the women’s soccer in this country, ” said T. Fitz Johnson, Atlanta Beat Owner and WPS Chairman of the Board. "Mr. Borislow was there with magicJack whenthe League was in search of a sixth team, and helped ensure the League could play the 2011 season."The confidential settlement puts an end to a lengthy legal battle between the League’s Board of Governors and Borislow.“I am very proud to have been a part of a group of owners who were unified and resolute in their commitment to women’s soccer,” said Dan Borislow. “While many of my ideas happened to be different from some other peoples’ ideas, we all shared a common purpose of providing these talented players with a place to play. I can honestly say one of the finest moments of my life was watching the WPS players display their talent in the 2011 Women’s World Cup with magicJackso finely represented. I continue to be in awe of our U.S. Women’s National Team, one of the finest to represent this country, and look forward to watching them compete in the Olympics.” -
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Permalink Reply by Mellisa Shirley on -
:(.. so sad...very disappointing..
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Permalink Reply by Russell Blyth on -
So incredibly disappointing. I can hardly bear to read the language used in the joint WPS/Borislow statement. The talented players in the US need a high-quality league to play in or risk sliding out of contention compared to those countries where leagues are thriving (over 50,000 at the CL final just yesterday, ironically). Yes, they can all go play in Europe, but I don't think that helps keep the game developing in the US the same way.
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Permalink Reply by Steven Fraser on
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Before anyone uninformed gets the impression that Dan was trying to 'help' the league, that he actually had an interest in helping women's football grow and cared for it's players, you may want to read this:
http://blog.ellamasar.com/2012/02/no-more-silence/#comment-327
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Permalink Reply by Richard Murray on -
the commentor Russel Blyth said it best, yesterday the EUFA WOmen's CL final had record attendance and viewership and fandom. UEFA just won womens soccer, plain and simple. But, the big blame is the way sports is structured in the USA. I remember when the womens world cup was held in the USA and I chatted and tweeted and discussed offline how womens soccer should mimic UEFA. I still see that as the way, and the history proves me right
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Permalink Reply by Richard Murray on
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good words
Russell Blyth said:So incredibly disappointing. I can hardly bear to read the language used in the joint WPS/Borislow statement. The talented players in the US need a high-quality league to play in or risk sliding out of contention compared to those countries where leagues are thriving (over 50,000 at the CL final just yesterday, ironically). Yes, they can all go play in Europe, but I don't think that helps keep the game developing in the US the same way.
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Permalink Reply by Women's Soccer United on
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I agree the words written in the Borislow 'agreement' does not seem to reflect what was going on during the WPS season! Such a waste
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