Earlier today (Friday, May 18th), the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) league released two press statements announcing that (1) the lawsuit between Dan Borislow and the league had been settled, and (2) that the league was permanently suspending operations and would proceed with a dissolvement of the league (e.g., winding down).
The two press releases, in their entirety:
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WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL SOCCER SUSPENDS OPERATIONS PERMANENTLY
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (May 18, 2012) – The WPS Board of Governors agreed today to suspend all League operations permanently and dissolve the League.
“We sincerely regret having to take this course of action,” said T. Fitz Johnson, Atlanta Beat Owner and Chairman of the Board.
The suspension of League operations will be effective immediately as the Board of Governors begins the process of dissolving the League.
“We are proud of what WPS has accomplished, having attracted the highest quality players in the world to play in the best women’s league, as well as the progress women’s soccer has enjoyed over the past three years,” said Thomas Hofstetter, Chief Executive Officer and President of Sky Blue Women’s Soccer, Inc. “We are extremely grateful to our sponsors, the talented players and dedicated fans that made this league so special. They, along with our teams, have invested an incredible amount of resources for the benefit of the women who played in WPS and the young players who aspire to play professionally someday.”
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WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL SOCCER FINALIZES SETTLEMENT IN LAWSUIT:
League and Borislow Reach Agreement
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (May 18, 2012) – Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) and magicJack owner Dan Borislow announced today that all matters and claims giving rise to the lawsuit filed in Palm Beach County have been settled by a mutual confidential agreement outside of court.
The parties, separated by differing opinions on the interpretation of the bylaws and governance of the League, have both expressed their satisfaction that a resolution has been reached that allows both WPS and Mr. Borislow to move beyond the lawsuit that bound them in court.
“In retrospect, we wish certain things had happened differently but magicJack, like all WPS teams, invested a tremendous amount of resources in and contributed to the growth and development of the women’s soccer in this country, ” said T. Fitz Johnson, Atlanta Beat Owner and WPS Chairman of the Board. “Mr. Borislow was there with magicJack when the League was in search of a sixth team, and helped ensure the League could play the 2011 season.”
The confidential settlement puts an end to a lengthy legal battle between the League’s Board of Governors and Borislow.
“I am very proud to have been a part of a group of owners who were unified and resolute in their commitment to women’s soccer,” said Dan Borislow. “While many of my ideas happened to be different from some other peoples’ ideas, we all shared a common purpose of providing these talented players with a place to play. I can honestly say one of the finest moments of my life was watching the WPS players display their talent in the 2011 Women’s World Cup with magicJack so finely represented. I continue to be in awe of our U.S. Women’s National Team, one of the finest to represent this country, and look forward to watching them compete in the Olympics.”
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Further Reading:
—ESPN story on the permanent folding
—“What is next for women’s soccer?” (espnW)
(both by Beau Dure)
Women's Soccer Express 