The Women’s Professional Soccer league (WPS) made waves in the United States as the second attempt at establishing a professional women’s soccer league. Despite its promising start, WPS faced significant challenges that ultimately led to its downfall. However, its legacy still influences women’s soccer today. This post explores the rise, struggles, and eventual collapse of WPS, and the impact it had on the development of professional women’s soccer.
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The Formation of WPS
The WPS was launched in 2007 as the successor to the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA), which had folded in 2003. After the closure of WUSA, there was a clear need for a sustainable league to continue developing women’s soccer in the U.S. WPS aimed to fill this gap, building on the lessons learned from WUSA’s failure.
The league had a strong start, with teams in major cities across the U.S., including Los Angeles, Boston, and Washington D.C. The WPS attracted some of the best players in the world, including stars like Marta, Abby Wambach, and Christie Rampone. These players helped raise the profile of the league and brought attention to women’s soccer.
WPS was designed to be a professional, competitive league. The league’s teams competed in a regular season with playoffs, culminating in a championship game. The hope was to create a sustainable model that would allow women’s soccer to thrive in the U.S., much like the success of Major League Soccer (MLS) for men’s soccer.
Early Successes and Strong Talent Pool
In its first few seasons, WPS was seen as a success. The league boasted a solid fanbase, and games were regularly televised. This was a significant achievement for women’s soccer, as it provided a platform for the athletes to showcase their skills on a national stage.
The league also attracted top-tier talent from around the world. Marta, widely regarded as one of the best female soccer players of all time, played for the Los Angeles Sol. Abby Wambach, a key figure in the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), played for the Washington Freedom. These international and domestic stars helped raise the league's profile and created compelling storylines for fans.
Moreover, WPS embraced international talent. Players from countries such as Brazil, Germany, and Canada joined the league, making it a truly global competition. This diversity of talent gave the league a unique flavor, with international rivalries and excitement that appealed to fans of all backgrounds.
Struggles and Financial Difficulties
Despite early successes, WPS faced a range of financial difficulties. The league struggled to secure long-term sponsorship deals and attract enough revenue to support the teams. High operational costs, including player salaries and travel expenses, quickly mounted.
While the league had an ambitious vision, it was unable to secure the necessary funding to sustain itself. Several franchises faced financial instability, and some teams were forced to fold or relocate. For example, the Los Angeles Sol and the St. Louis Athletica both faced financial difficulties, with the Sol folding after just one season.
Another challenge was the league's reliance on corporate sponsors. While WPS attracted some key partnerships, it struggled to compete with other professional sports leagues in the U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS) and other well-established leagues had strong sponsorship deals, which put WPS at a disadvantage. Without significant financial backing, the league’s future was uncertain.
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The Downfall of WPS
In 2012, WPS suspended operations indefinitely. The financial struggles, combined with issues like low attendance and inconsistent media coverage, led to the league’s collapse. This was a devastating blow to the players, fans, and supporters of women’s soccer in the U.S.
The closure of WPS marked the second time a professional women’s soccer league had failed in the U.S. The inability to secure sustainable funding and sponsorship left the league vulnerable, ultimately leading to its shutdown.
However, despite the league's failure, WPS played a crucial role in the development of women’s soccer. The players who competed in WPS continued to raise the profile of women’s soccer worldwide, even after the league’s closure. Many players went on to compete in other leagues, and their visibility helped create a pathway for future generations of women soccer players.
WPS’s Lasting Impact on Women’s Soccer
Although WPS was short-lived, its influence on women’s soccer is undeniable. The league provided a platform for female athletes to play professionally in the U.S. and helped increase the visibility of women’s soccer. The international players who competed in WPS helped expose the league to global audiences, strengthening the sport’s reach and influence.
WPS also helped elevate the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT). Many of the league’s top players were also key figures on the national team. By playing in the league, these athletes gained valuable experience and continued to compete at a high level, which benefitted the USWNT in international competitions.
Additionally, WPS’s legacy laid the foundation for the creation of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in 2013. The NWSL was established in the wake of WPS’s collapse, and it learned from many of the mistakes that led to WPS’s downfall. For example, the NWSL secured financial backing from U.S. Soccer, which helped give it the stability that WPS lacked.
The NWSL also benefited from the growing interest in women’s soccer. By the time it launched, the popularity of the U.S. Women’s National Team had surged, thanks in part to WPS’s efforts. The NWSL has since become a major force in women’s professional soccer, continuing the work that WPS began.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of WPS
While the Women’s Professional Soccer league was short-lived, its impact on women’s soccer in the U.S. and around the world cannot be overstated. WPS provided a much-needed platform for female athletes to showcase their talents and helped build a foundation for future leagues. Though it faced significant financial challenges, the league proved that there was a strong desire for women’s professional soccer in the U.S.
WPS’s influence can still be felt today. The NWSL, which was created in its wake, has become one of the top women’s soccer leagues in the world. The players who competed in WPS continue to inspire new generations of athletes, and their legacy lives on through the continued growth of women’s soccer.
In the end, WPS’s story is one of ambition, struggle, and resilience. The league’s failure did not mark the end of women’s soccer in the U.S., but rather served as a stepping stone for the future. Women’s professional soccer may have faced setbacks, but thanks to the hard work and dedication of players, coaches, and fans, the sport continues to grow and thrive.
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