I don't think any place has been "chosen". I suspect plenty of options, many we haven't heard of, have been discussed.
https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/85633/what-theyre-saying-merritt-paulson.html “It’s a more difficult situation with the NWSL than with MLS. [...] Whether or not we’re able to pull something off with the NWSL season, I don’t know, but I think there’s a good plan that’s being worked on and it sounds pretty promising.” -- Portland Timbers and Thorns owner Merritt Paulson
As Andy said, I doubt DC has been fully "chosen" yet, but I think it benefits from being a larger metro area with multiple professional-level fields to play on. Remember that the Spirit were going to split time between three different stadiums this season (two of which are away from the city center and thus maybe more desirable due to being in lower-population-density parts of an otherwise large metro are. IDK I'm just spitballing here, that argument could apply to NYC, CHI, and even LA too.)
But, if having multiple teams in one location happens, I don't think they'll be renting something like Audi Field since it'll be without fans, likely for a large portion of the season. What they would need is just a facility large enough to be able to televise/stream the games from, like the SoccerPlex (plus that it has other fields for training purposes; plus, they'd be looking at available gym/training facilities and hotels to quarantine/isolate the teams at.) Having multiple, large stadiums with capacity for fans wouldn't matter; save the money.
I mean, in my post I specifically focused on the two not-Audi options in the area, but yeah. The Segra soccer complex is similar to the MD Soccerplex, to my understanding.
Latest rumor: 9 teams in SLC area Two sources tell me NWSL is considering tournament format for one month this summer in controlled environment in greater Salt Lake City for all 9 teams. Unclear whether every owner is on board. Sponsors would help defray expenses. Few if any fans allowed. Live streams/TV.— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) May 16, 2020
On training: The NWSL training moratorium is extended through May 24. Depending on who you speak to within the league, there is an optimism about getting on the road to return soon. pic.twitter.com/ZYG3GMiVLs— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) May 16, 2020 Extending the moratorium is not a surprise (MLS and USL are doing the same) and at least helps level the field with different states having different restrictions right now.
A bit more on the SLC rumors (mostly just the RSL blog commenting on the above rumors): https://www.rslsoapbox.com/2020/5/19/21263286/nwsl-summer-tournament-in-salt-lake-city If it pans out, it could be in the month of July with Rory Dames mentioning a July 1 date. And it would mean using the RSL Academy dorms that are next to the training facility. Of course, there's no confirmation yet though, and no mention of all owners being on board.
And we're closer to an actual plan for a July tournament, although its not set in stone yet: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/05/19/nwsl-tournament/ If you're behind a paywall, some key details mentioned here: -A Utah tournament would be month-long with 3 groups of 3 teams playing each other twice in a round robin before going to single-elimination quarterfinals. -Tournament would hopefully be a precursor to an actual season starting in August, but it might not. That would depend on conditions in home markets. -All owners have voted in favor of the tournament, but not all USWNT players seem to be on board. The NWSLPA also didn't reply for comment. -Only players and essential staff would travel there, and would stay in a controlled area with testing. Few/no spectators (maybe only some media?). -It would begin on the weekend of June 27-28. -Teams under tighter restrictions right now would travel in first (weeks early) to begin training. (This would include Chicago and NJ.)
Hmmm what's the point of doing a mini-tournament in July if there's going to be a mini-season starting in August? And how much of a season could they even having if it only starts in August? Sounds like it would just amount to another mini-tournament because even putting two games per week would, at best, mean 16 games through August+September, and that would be such a harsh rush of games for the players.
I think the mini tournament is being planned in case there's nothing else because the situation is still really fluid, and some markets may not be open by August. Plus, the whole environment of a mini-season with travel would be a lot less controlled, so there's just a lot of uncertainty on whether that's possible. And there may be a second wave of cases in the fall. Also, despite everything, I'm really glad the NWSL has a commissioner this year. Can you imagine the craziness of trying to get something planned this season without any central leadership?
This tournament is being planned in case things aren't settled down in all 9 markets by August. This would give players and fans some kind of season. The 3 groups of 3 would likely play each other 3 times for a total of 6 games in 3 weeks. The playoffs would last two weeks.
I mean, I guess I get it... But if the individual markets aren't going to be ready by August, why not just call an entire season to be played out of the one location right off the back and get rid of the uncertainty? I can see why some people are holding out for being able to host home games, but... I'd say just cut the question marks out of the season at this point.
As lil one said, the situation is fluid -- and will continue to be. I kinda wonder if the tournament is a test to see how it works -- if it goes well, and it's safe to continue, take lessons learned and play a mini-season, if not... well, that was the season.
In other news, Portland has officially launched this season's jersey: This is what unstoppable looks like. Introducing the 2020 Thorns kits. #BAONDPX pic.twitter.com/EucFFi6tX2— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) May 20, 2020
https://www.shopthornsfc.com/collections/jerseys2 Men's version of the new Dark Rose jersey sold out.
2019 Chicago Reds was very good too. Very unique. The only thing I don't like about Portland Thorn's is the away kit which is usually all white and nothing else. At least this time, they put thorns wrapped around.
China's women's team WC 2019 also had an awesome design. The NWSL should focused more on their kit and make them unique.
Someone suggested that they should turn this away kit into black and red in the future. That would be sick! Wonder if anybody can photo shopped something like it. Red thorns or black thorns, vice versa with black or red background. Trying to visualize it. In my opinion, I think red thorns look the best with black background.
Nah, title of best kit still belongs to Chicago. Portland's kit is very good, but is over-designed IMO. Looks more like an art piece (one of those weird video projection things) than like a cool kit. Also, I'm still bitter about the lack of green, which has recently been abandoned altogether. Red, white, and black? Blah. Portland could be SO GOOD and yet they'd rather use special effects with an overdone palette than make some truly cool designs. They've done really well with the initial decision they made... but it wasn't a good initial decision IMO.
This may be an issue of who the kits are for -- fanwise. If they are for the Portland fans, especially the die-hard Riveters, they are spectacular in a way that Chicago’s would not be. The Chicago kits are great, and always have been, but these kits fit the Thorns fan-base perfectly. Classy Goth.
This is what the new kit looks like in a game. Crazy thing is that this video is a month old. Question is how this guy get it. He knew about the design ahead of time or he had influence on the design. Calls himself newhouse kits.