Women’s Professional Soccer officially announced Tuesday that it will move forward with six definite teams for the 2011 season. FC Gold Pride, the defending WPS champion, officially folded Tuesday and the Chicago Red Stars have been given a thirty day extension to secure additional investors.
“The history of sports has shown that in the early years of any league, teams come and go,” said WPS CEO Anne-Marie Eileraas. “We are moving forward to start planning for 2011. We’ll have a terrific season next year with at least six committed teams and will continue to have the best soccer talent in the world playing throughout the spring and summer, culminating with an exciting WPS Playoffs like we’ve had the past two years.”
Free agency will begin at 12:01 a.m. ET Wednesday, but Chicago will not be allowed to participate until it secures adequate funding. The Red Stars have until Dec. 15 to pay the required escrow dues for 2011.
FC Gold Pride owners Nancy and Brian NeSmith were unable to find any additional investors to help continue operating the team.
Meanwhile, the new Western New York franchise will privately choose up to six players in the expansion draft Tuesday.
