I think we've learned enough that lower division support doesn't necessarily translate into first division support. The new league needs to focus on a solid business plan based on expenses, revenue, national footprint looking towards television coverage. Does that mean some very good soccer markets might get left out? Sure as hell. But as we've seen, you can't dream things into being. You have to take it step by step with a true-blue plan that is generally conservative.
Why, do you think the team in Chicago that is starting with the league won't last? Or did you not notice there was going to be a team in Chicago.
I didn't notice that! Of course you can substitute any number of other large cities that have the kind of fan base that might support a top level women's league . . . Vancouver still isn't going to be part of the deal (kind of like Rochester in MLS).
Sunil comments on the new league's ability to attract the world's top players, as reported by Goff in his blog entry, Gulati's Turn. Given the new league's structure he questions whether it would be able to afford Marta. Looks like just because AEG is in at LA, the new structure doesn't allow them to 'Beckham' the new league... He has more to say about the league in the interview.
Article in today's Soccer America Business Insider on new league, post-WWC: Will WWC Jump Start The New Women's League? Wednesday, Oct 3, 2007 8:00 PM ET By Marilyn Childress With the close of the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup, the business of women's soccer needs to get aggressive. The success of women's soccer from youth and college to the women's national team and the pros depends on the support of many factions in the game. How these groups use the opportunity from the WWC exposure can set the stage for the new women's pro league and women's soccer in general.... read the whole article at http://www.socceramerica.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.showArticleHomePage&art_aid=23780
Unlike MLS and the WUSA, the new women's league is a traditional franchise model, so investing in the League directly is not possible, but you could invest in a franchise. The Chicago franchise, which i'm leading is sufficiently capitalized, yet it still holds several shares in reserve. Single shares in the syndicate that controls the majority of the interest are available for a mid-six-figure commitment. PM me if you are interested in learning more. peter
The roll out date is early 2009. DeCiccio has already been hired to coach the Boston based team. Other cities include Chicago, D.C. and Los Angeles. There are 8 in all. The USSF is linking the new teams with existing MSL teams assuming the quality of the facilities, support structure and presumably a fan base. I always sigh (ok gag) a bit at the first whiff "conspiracy theory"....but... Would it be too far of stretch to think that Ryan was acting on USSF preference and that a collapse of support would settle the sticky wicket, persistant question about reviving a women's league? And how would such a barely competent man accomplish this task alone? Shall we count the ways: Divide the team up into three parts and train them separately then forget to put them back together before the world cup? Take the team over to China way to early? Bring along a coach's favorite, Marci Jobson who is an undisciplined player without a lot to contribute instead of player like Lauren Cheney? Publicly declaring his "new" more physical and direct play to be superior game style and mock those who play the "old" possession game? Deluding himself that Scurry could be a "secret weapon" against the Brazilians? Ignore Phil Wheddon's (goalkeeping coach) advice that changing goalkeepers was a bad idea? Ignoring the history of the game, the commentators, other team's coachs (especially the Brazilian coach "now it not the time") as well as Wheddon that his plan to swap goalkeepers was ill-conceived? Not putting Solo in the box after the 2nd goal? Relying on one player, Wambach, to save the team? Playing Lilly when she was clearly ineffectual? Instructing the team to play "physical" leading to Boxx's 2 yellow card rejection from the game? In the face of defeat, continuing to warm the bench with offensive players like Wagner, Tarpley and Kai? Insulting the Brazilians publically before the game? Not travelling with the team psychologist? Not believing that "team chemistry" is like another player in the game? Laughing and giggling from the sidelines as the team was defeated? Boasting that he was "not devastated" but "felt for the players"? Suggesting that he has more work to do with the team? Throwing Hope Solo out at the same time he extols the high ideal of loyalty and family? Suggesting that Holo needs to "live right" to be redeemed? It is too painful to go on. But you can take it to the bank, that if the fanbase shrinks why would sponsors and advertisers be willing to back a new league? And if there are no backers, where is the league? And at the same time as the defeat, the Federation rolls out it's new Youth Development program.......for men? Perhaps I am imagining things? Perhaps I should attend the annual meeting at the luxurious resort in Hawaii in February to see for myself? Or perhaps I should just watch the Galaxy play some mediocre soccer, and be glad for it? ZHATSO
Roughly 30 minutes and counting until the Ryan announcement. I doubt we'll ever know the insider details - unless perhaps Peter Wilt chimes in - but I can't imagine the new league owners were happy with Ryan and the soap opera of recent weeks. It's one thing to say the league should not be dependent on a boost from the USWNT, it's another thing to see the USWNT as a negative drag.
I personally think it was the Illuminati backed by the CIA. Did you ever note that you NEVER saw Greg Ryan and CIA Director Michael Hayden the same room together? This conspiracy goes WWAAAAAAYYYY deeper than you ever could imagine Ken.
Former women's professional league that ran from 2001-2003. Women's United Soccer Association. Went under right before the 2003 Women's World Cup. It's being reorganized and relaunched in 2009.
Am I missing something, or has mention of the 8th/TBA group of investors been notable absent since the start was pushed back to 2009? They were prominately included in the "original 6" announcements, with Boston and NJ being identified at teams 7 & 8.... now refences seem to be limited to 7 franchises in total for 2009?
It's Women's Soccer Initiative. That's the corporate name. From what I understand, they're down to the final three possible names for the actual league, only two of which have "Women's" in them and not all of which have "Soccer" in them.
Soccer Initiative LLC was the name of the 6th TBA investor group, not to be confused with WSII. " The six announced charter teams will be led by the following investors: AEG Territory: Greater Los Angeles, CA John Hendricks, Freedom Soccer LLC Territory: Washington D.C. Jeff Cooper, St. Louis United Soccer LLC Territory: St. Louis, MO Soccer Initiative, LLC Territory: TBD, pending its final decision to select a market Jack Hanks and Brent Coralli, Dallas Franchise Group Territory: Greater Dallas area, TX WGLSI, LLC and an additional investor TBD Territory: Chicago and Bridgeview, IL"
Oh, yeah, you're right. My bad. Got my initiatives confused. The final ownership group was going to be in San Jose or San Diego, but may not happen at all.
So, if I am interpreting right your comment, it could come down to: Women's Football League Women's Premier League Football Premier League.
I don't even know if "league" is in there. Remember "National Soccer Alliance?" I have no idea what they'll call it, but supposedly we'll find out in the spring.