Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) announced in a press release that its Board of Governors has voted to suspend the league’s 2012 season in order to focus on the resolution of pending legal issues.
The Board voted on January 30 for the suspension, amid a lengthy and expensive legal battle with former owner Dan Borislow. Borislow filed a civil lawsuit in a Florida court, seeking an injunction against the WPS for its “threatened action to immediately terminate his Florida franchise at the conclusion of the 2011 season.”
The league reassured it’s fans by stating that they firmly intend to return to the pitch in 2013, with the league’s five existing teams; Atlanta Beat, Boston Breakers, Philadelphia Independence, Sky Blue FC and Western New York Flash returning to action.
"We are deeply grateful to our fans and partners for the tremendous support they have shown for WPS, our players and the sport," said WPS CEO Jennifer O'Sullivan. "With our supporters and athletes in mind, we are committed to complete the hard work necessary to resume play in 2013 and reestablish WPS as the premiere women's professional soccer league in the world."
The suspension couldn’t come at a worse time for the sport. Women’s soccer has experienced a huge bump in interest and support, and by extension TV ratings, after the US Women’s Soccer team reached the finals at the 2011 World Cup.
But, don’t worry die-hard soccer fans; you will still get to see some action in 2012. The US National Team recently qualified for 2012 Olympic competition in London. So, even though the WPS stadium lights will be dark, Olympic gold could be on the horizon.
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