Why not a MLS/W-League/WPSL base? Instead of starting from scratch with new teams, why not form a partnership with some of the top clubs in both the W-League and WPSL? They already have established fan base, area brand recognition, most of thetop players and some front office staff. The big hurdles would be increasing front office staff, upgrading faclities in some case and player payrolls (and all of the expenses that go along with that workers comp, insurance, SS/medicare).
Re: Why not a MLS/W-League/WPSL base? The W-League is strictly semiprofessional and, according to a couple of posters here, has no plans to go fully pro. Sachin
Re: Why not a MLS/W-League/WPSL base? And since the new Div I league would probably take some good talent from them, I doubt they are going to want to be real cozy with them.
Nice fantasy, but where do you plan to find enough pro-level players to fill 32 teams? WUSA took three years to get just 8 teams with rosters that were pretty solid from top to bottom.
Re: Why not a MLS/W-League/WPSL base? That's not completely true, the W-League has no plans on going fully pro. But their comminsioner/director has stated that they would like to be involved with the next pro league and it could be the next step for some of the teams.
I find this amusing. When I suggested as much on another thread -- that the new women's league look to the sss facilities and link with MLS -- I was roasted by the local savants. And about a year ago I suggested that the new league should be a womens division of MLS -- not WMLS -- and even share the name of the men's team, which even the WNBA has not done. Whatever. Just whatever. Que sara, sara.
Re: Why not a MLS/W-League/WPSL base? This is actually completely false. The W-League is completly amateur. The women may get paid for doing camps and other things but none of them get paid to play. If so the NCAA would not allow the college kids to play.
Best to start with two regional leagues of 8 teams each. With the winners meeting in a take all final.
Re: Why not a MLS/W-League/WPSL base? Are you sure it's COMPLETELY false? I thought there was some kind of set-up where some of the non-college players were paid, but the college players were definitely not paid I would bet my last buck on it...if I still have it ???????
Re: Why not a MLS/W-League/WPSL base? Please hand over your last dollar. Players in the W-league are not paid for their on-field performance. Teams may pay players to work at camps or in the office. The simple fact is, if some were paid to play, the NCAA would allow none of the eligible players to play. Why would the NCAA make an acception for women's soccer, when nothing of the sort is allowed in baseball, basketball, etc.? Same situation in the PDL. No "pay-for-play".