Ten Markets In Consideration for New Women’s Soccer League

Added by Steven Farkas on October 26, 2012.

A new women's soccer league in the U.S. may be a step closer. (Getty Images)

The information continues to trickle out about the possibility of a new professional women’s soccer league for 2013.  Now, the USSF president Sunil Gulati has announced there are ten markets and eleven ownership groups in consideration for the yet to be named women’s league.  Gulati also declared the U.S. Soccer Federation could play a significant role in this league both financially and operationally.

There 11 potential ownership groups interested in 10 different markets across the country. Some of these markets – like Chicago, New Jersey and Boston – already publicly declared their desire to come back. Others still remain below the radar. There are at least two teams in each part of the country (East Coast, West Coast and Midwest).

Although Gulati did not specifically say so, there is little doubt that the reason there are 11 ownership groups for ten cities is regarding the ongoing debate in Seattle as to whether the Sounders women’s team, or a new team owned by Bill Predmore, owner of a marketing firm in Seattle.  The issue there is whether or not Seattle could sustain two teams, and if not, which team gets the right to represent the city.

“Where we are right now is talking with them as well as starting a process of vetting those potential investors on financial and other financial, operational, organizational management guidelines,” Gulati said.

Gulati added that there are select MLS team investors interested in the league.  The interest is not league-wide, but the fact that even one MLS owner could be interested in the league is encouraging.

Meanwhile, Gulati said the U.S. women will continue to be looped into the conversation.  It also looks as if the United Soccer Leagues will be involved, which opens the door for top W-League teams to join the venture.

You can go to this link to see the Sunil Gulati quote sheet regarding the new  pro women’s league: http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Womens-National-Team/2012/10/Sunil-Gulati-Quote-Sheet-Regarding-US-WNT-Coaching-Search-and-Potential-Womens-Professional-League.aspx