SAN FRANCISCO, CA (November 25, 2011) – All professional soccer leagues in the United States, including WPS, are subject to sanctioning by U.S. Soccer and an annual review.

The Professional League Standards as set out by U.S. Soccer require all professional leagues, including those at Division 1 - the highest level of soccer sanctioned by U.S. Soccer - to field a minimum of eight teams.  U.S. Soccer granted WPS, the only women’s professional league in this country, a waiver and sanctioned the League as a top tier, Division 1 league with six teams for the 2011 season.

WPS has again applied for a waiver from U.S. Soccer of this requirement to retain its status as a Division 1 professional league for 2012 with its current field of five teams (Atlanta, Boston, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Western New York).  WPS made this request in its application based on the tremendous interest in women’s soccer, potential for growth in markets across the country, and expressed interest from viable expansion candidates for the 2013 season.

"While we take very seriously the issue of U.S. Soccer’s classification of us as a Division 1 league, we are both confident and undeterred in our mission to continue and to be the best women's professional soccer league in the world," said Women's Professional Soccer CEO Jennifer O'Sullivan.

"WPS enjoyed our strongest season in 2011 setting new attendance records, increasing sponsorship and engaging our growing fan base through social media. Our brand was bolstered by the FIFA World Cup and we expect continued momentum from the 2012 Olympics next summer. Given these factors in addition to our long-term plan for growth, extensive expansion franchise pipeline, and the investment and commitment of a core group of owners, we would hope that the Federation would continue support for the only professional soccer league for women in the United States."

While no final decision has been made by U.S. Soccer on the sanctioning of WPS for 2012, U.S. Soccer has given WPS additional time to resolve the issues they identified in the League’s annual report.  WPS is engaged in positive dialogue with U.S. Soccer and will continue ongoing discussions in the coming days to determine what is necessary for the League to retain its Division 1 status. 

Please help us in creating awareness any way that you can whether it be on Twitter, facebook, blogs or through any other contacts that you may have. And sign the petition! 

To sign the petition: 

http://www.change.org/petitions/us-soccer-for-womens-professional-soccer-sanction-the-league-to-be-division-one-under-ussf