Others, such as national team stars Christen Press, Tobin Heath, Rose Lavelle, Sam Mewis, Abby Dahlkemper and Catarina Marcario, opted to play in Europe.Īfter the 2019 season, star striker and MVP Sam Kerr swapped Chicago for English club Chelsea, where she reportedly signed a contract worth $1 million.Īnd while those in NWSL circles - owners, fans and some journalists - like to proclaim it the “best league in the world,” such issues are something the Red Stars ownership group takes seriously, Idonije said.
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However, the NWSL isn’t without its lingering growing pains, and a combination of COVID-19 uncertainty, low salaries, inadequate housing and resources and a lack of free agency have led to some players retiring early. “The fans are there, the revenue potential is there, we just need to get the right pieces in place.” “You’re starting to see people and brands invest in women’s sports and invest in women’s soccer specifically,” she said. The increased number of investors and league sponsorships with Budweiser, Verizon and Proctor & Gamble show the NWSL’s potential, said Mares, who was first approached by the Red Stars in the summer. Tennis star Naomi Osaka invests in the North Carolina Courage, Chelsea Clinton and Jenna Bush Hager invest in the Washington Spirit, and expansion team Angel City FC has a running tally of A-listers that includes Natalie Portman, Candace Parker, Serena Williams, Abby Wambach, Mia Hamm and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. NWSL clubs have been courting new partial owners for months as part of the league’s growth strategy. That the Red Stars have new investors isn’t a surprise. Chicago Red Stars players celebrate their 4-3 win in penalty kicks over OL Reign on July 18, 2020, at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, Utah.
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