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☆ Carlyle thinks it's a good time to move on sports teams, but investors should be careful
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Carlyle also sees an opportunity to take advantage of sports' greater openness to institutional capital as teams get more expensive. Advertisement"Post-COVID, no content is more important than sports content," Fund said. Successfully running a team isn't as easy as investing in oneCarlyle sees openings for outside investors in teams as their valuations soar. "As teams become more expensive, you're running out of people to buy controlling stakes in teams," Fund said. Key to the Reign deal, for example, was having the Sounders, with its deep market knowledge, as a day-to-day operator.

Persons: —, Carlyle, Ben Fund, Alex Popov, cochair David Rubenstein, We've, We're Organizations: Service, National, Soccer, Seattle, FC, Seattle Sounders, Business, Fund, Baltimore Orioles, NFL, Sounders

☆ Insiders break down Amazon's sports strategy and the low-key but powerful exec behind it, as the tech giant eyes NBA rights
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-29 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

One of them is Jay Marine, who oversees Amazon's sports business as VP of Prime Video and global head of sports. Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesMarine's next move could be for the NBA, which Amazon craves for its young, global fan base. Advertisement"For us, everything starts with Prime," Marine told CNBC in a rare interview last fall. AdvertisementApart from its big bet on "TNF," Amazon's sports moves have been largely incremental. The deal lets Diamond continue airing local NBA broadcasts, which makes it more likely Amazon will bid for national NBA rights, analyst Ben Thompson of Stratechery wrote.

Persons: —, Jeff Bezos, Jay Marine, Bezos, Andy Jassy, Chris Webber, Tyrone Wheatley, scrappy, Chris Graythen, Ben Thompson, Stratechery, Marine, Patrick Crakes, it's, Marie Donoghue, Mike Hopkins, Amazon's, John Kosner, Donoghue, Kantar, signups, He's Organizations: Service, Marine, Business, US, Premier League soccer, Industry, The, Sports, WBD, NASCAR, NBC, NBA, Amazon, Disney, Warner Bros, Discovery, Apple, Netflix, CNBC, Amazon MGM Studios, Premier Boxing Champions, Diamond Sports, Diamond, Premier League, WNBA, National Women's Soccer League . Media, ESPN, DraftKings, Warner Bros . Locations: London, The New Jersey, Amazon

☆ The state of women's sports: Top executives weigh in on parity, media share and NIL regulations
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-17 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +12 min

From Caitlin Clark fever in Iowa to a packed house of 92,000 fans for women's volleyball in Nebraska, women's sports have never been more at the forefront. Last year saw record media deals for women's sports as the NCAA and NWSL both inked groundbreaking agreements. David Dow | Getty ImagesCathy Engelbert, commissioner of the Women's National Basketball Association: One of the obstacles is the undervaluation of our assets. Jayna Hefford, senior vice president of operations for the Professional Women's Hockey League: Women's sports still struggle to secure prime broadcast windows, consistent airtime and traditional media coverage. Steven Ferdman | Getty ImagesAmy Howe, FanDuel CEO: Women's sports need to continue to position their star athletes (i.e.

Persons: Caitlin Clark, Matthew Holst, there's, Renie Anderson, Jessica Berman, Jesse Grant, CNBC Jessica Berman, Cathy Engelbert, Breanna Stewart, David Dow, Jessica Gelman, John Lamparski, KAGR, Caitlin Clark's, Jayna Hefford, Haley Rosen, Mollie Marcoux Samaan, Michael Reaves, LPGA we've, Katrina Adams, Louis Armstrong, USTA Billie Jean King, Steven Ryan, Sabrina Ionescu, Coco Gauff, —, Berman, Pamela Duckworth, Engelbert, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Amy Howe, Steven Ferdman, FanDuel, Ionescu, A'ja Wilson, Rosen, Adams, they've, Renie, Anderson, I'm, influencers, Duckworth, Angel Reese, Billie Jean King, Jayna, Mark Blinch Organizations: Iowa Hawkeyes, NCAA, Michigan Wolverines, Carver, Getty, women's, Deloitte, CNBC, NFL, National Women's Soccer League, National Women's Soccer, WNBA, New York Liberty, Kia, Connecticut Sun, National Basketball Association, Business, New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, MIT Sloan Sports Analytics, MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, Sports, Professional Women's Hockey, Association, Tiburon Golf Club, Professional, LPGA, USTA, Louis, USTA Billie, USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, United States Tennis Association, Women's Tennis, Fubo Studios, FuboTV, NBA, Nike, Wall, Spring Studios, Renie Anderson NFL, Toronto, New York, Mattamy Athletic Centre Locations: Iowa City , Iowa, Iowa, Nebraska, Brooklyn , New York, New, New York City, Naples , Florida, NY, Toronto , Ontario, Canada

(AP) — Vanessa DiBernardo scored the first goal for Kansas City in its new stadium and the Current held off the Portland Thorns 5-4 on Saturday in the regular-season opener for the National Women's Soccer League. Rookie Ellie Wheeler scored moments later and the Current built a 3-1 lead by halftime. It was the first game at CPKC Stadium, which the team says is the first U.S. stadium built expressly for women’s pro soccer. Andonovski also coached two seasons with the Reign before taking over the U.S. national team. Brittany and Patrick Mahomes, part of the Current's ownership group, kicked off the game with a “K.C., baby!” chant.

Persons: — Vanessa DiBernardo, Shelby Hogan, DiBernardo, Ellie Wheeler, Bia Zaneratto, Kristen Hamilton, Alex Pfeiffer, Sophia Smith, Janine Beckie, Smith, Hamilton, Pfeiffer, Beckie's, Vlatko Andonovski, Andonovski, Patrick Mahomes, ___ Organizations: KANSAS CITY, Kansas City, Portland Thorns, National Women's Soccer League, ABC, ESPN, CBS Sports, Amazon Prime, Scripps Sports, Portland, U.S, FC Kansas City, U.S . Locations: KANSAS, Mo, U.S, Missouri, Brazil, Brittany

☆ How NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman led the league out of crisis to revive women's soccer
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-11 | by ( Jessica Golden | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Jessica Berman, commissioner of the National Women’s Soccer League, speaks during a panel on women's professional soccer at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas on Feb. 10, 2024. In 2019, Berman became the first female deputy commissioner of a men's professional sports league, joining the National Lacrosse League. Taking the fieldBerman took the helm at the women's soccer league after allegations were made of emotional abuse and sexual misconduct across several teams. She also brought the first-ever million-dollar prize pool to U.S. women's soccer. She's also lured big-name investors, selling them on her new vision for professional women's soccer.

Persons: Jessica Berman, Omar Vega, Berman, Gary Bettman, Sally Yates, Yates, She's, lister Natalie Portman, Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, Patrick Mahomes, Eli Manning, Kevin Durant, Carli Lloyd, Sofia Huerta, Delanie Sheehan, Ben Nichols, Sportico Organizations: National Women’s Soccer League, Hilton Anatole, Getty, New, National Women's Soccer League, CNBC, National Hockey League, NHL, National Lacrosse League, U.S, Chicago Red Stars, Portland Thorns, Hollywood, Seattle, NY Gotham FC, Women's Soccer League, Snapdragon, Amazon, Angel City FC Locations: Dallas, New York City, NJ, San Diego, Angeles

☆ CNBC Changemakers: Fortune 500 CEOs, Naomi Osaka and Alex Cooper share a success secret
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Julia Boorstin | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Leading the way are health care, with 22%; tech, with 14%; and consumer products and financial services, tied at 10%. Kate Ryder is closing major gaps in women's and family health care with Maven. Michelle Zatlyn, co-founder and chief operating officer at Cloudflare, is giving companies AI tools to bolster cybersecurity and lower costs for vulnerable, critical infrastructure providers, including schools and local election systems. The Changemakers serve as a reminder that success is a result of leading in ways that are authentic. In the book she explored the concept of "reformers" — women working to fix broken systems.

Persons: Anat Ashkenazi, Eli Lilly, Svanika Balasubramanian, Bobbie, Laura Modi, Baby2Baby, Norah Weinstein, Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Alex Cooper, Tracee Ellis Ross, Naomi Osaka, Balasubramanian, Jessica Chang, Maayan Cohen, Kate Ryder, Maven, Monique Rodriguez, Jessica Berman, Kathy Hannun, Clara Shih, Michelle Zatlyn, Kristin Peck, Julia Boorstin Organizations: CNBC, U.S, RePurpose Global, rePurpose, Women's Soccer League, Dandelion Energy, cybersecurity Locations: Changemakers, Cloudflare

Samantha Mewis, who played for the U.S. squad that won the 2019 Women's World Cup, has retired from soccer because of a knee injury that has sidelined her from the national team since the Tokyo Olympics. Though this isn't what I wanted, it's clear that this is the only path forward for me.”The midfielder scored 24 goals in 83 appearances over eight years with the national team. Mewis was the 2020 U.S. Soccer women's Player of the Year. She last played professionally for the Kansas City Current of the National Women's Soccer League. A Massachusetts native, Mewis was also on the UCLA team that won an NCAA title in 2013.

Persons: Samantha Mewis, Mewis, I’m, ”, ___ Organizations: U.S ., Blazers Media Network, Soccer, Kansas City, National Women's Soccer League, Manchester City, FA, Everton, Western New York Flash, North Carolina, UCLA Locations: Tokyo, Mewis, United States, Australia, France, Netherlands, Massachusetts

The Chicago Red Stars have signed U.S. team forward Mallory Swanson to a historic four-year contract with an option for a fifth year, a record for the National Women's Soccer League. Swanson, who was a free agent this season, has been with the Red Stars since 2021. Swanson returns to a Red Stars team that looks vastly different. Chicago Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts bought the Red Stars last September and the team hired Lorne Donaldson, coach of the Jamaican national team at the World Cup. "The Red Stars could not be more excited that Mallory Swanson has decided to extend her career with us here in Chicago,” Red Stars President Karen Leetzow said.

Persons: Mallory Swanson, Swanson, ” Swanson, “, Laura Ricketts, Lorne Donaldson, Donaldson, Dansby Swanson, Karen Leetzow, “ Mallory, Mal, ”, Maria Sanchez, ___ Organizations: Chicago Red Stars, U.S, National Women's Soccer League, CBS Sports, Red Stars, Ireland, Chicago Cubs, Stars, Jamaican, Houston Dash Locations: Chicago, United States, Colorado

☆ Venue renamed 'Christine Sinclair Place' for Canada soccer great's final game
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nov 27 (Reuters) - BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, will be renamed "Christine Sinclair Place" for one night next week in honour of the captain's final match with the women's international team, Canada Soccer said on Monday. Sinclair, who is the world's all-time leading international goalscorer, announced her retirement from the Canada women's national team in October and her final game will be on Dec. 5 against Australia. "The legacy of Christine's career has and will live on beyond her tremendous accomplishments on the field," Canada Soccer President Charmaine Crooks said in a news release. The 40-year-old Sinclair's international career includes a record 190 goals for Canada, an Olympic gold medal and six World Cup appearances. Sinclair still plans to play for Portland Thorns in the National Women's Soccer League next season and after that expects to remain involved with the game in some capacity.

Persons: Christine Sinclair, Sinclair, Charmaine Crooks, Frank Pingue, Christian Radnedge Organizations: women's, Canada Soccer, Canada women's, Australia, Sinclair, Canada, Portland Thorns, National Women's Soccer League, Thomson Locations: Vancouver , British Columbia, Toronto

☆ Gotham defeat Reign for first NWSL title, Rapinoe exits early
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-12 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/5] Nov 11, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; New Jersey/New York Gotham FC forward Esther Gonzalez (9) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against OL Reign in the first half in the NWSL Championship at Snapdragon Stadium. Gotham were denied twice in the 38th minute as Purce hit the left post and midfielder Delanie Sheehan hit the crossbar in rapid succession. Reign had the chance to take the lead as Lavelle tried a through ball but striker Jordyn Huitema was caught offside five minutes later. Reign were awarded a free kick and Gotham midfielder Nealy Martin was forced to put on the goalkeeper’s jersey, with her team out of substitutions. Martin's team mates leapt into the air to block Lavelle's kick and Gotham erupted in celebration as Reign's frantic final efforts went unrewarded.

Persons: Esther Gonzalez, Ray Acevedo, Gotham FC's, Megan Rapinoe's, Lynn Williams, Rapinoe's, Rose Lavelle, Rapinoe, Ali Krieger, Midge Purce, Williams, Claudia Dickey, Lavelle, Bethany Balcer, Mandy Haught, Gotham, Delanie Sheehan, Jordyn Huitema, Gonzalez, Haught, Nealy Martin, Amy Tennery, Robert Birsel Organizations: New York Gotham FC, OL, Snapdragon, USA, Gotham, Women's Soccer League, Seattle, Spain, Thomson Locations: San Diego , California, USA, New Jersey, New York, Spanish, Gotham, Seattle, San Diego, U.S, Purce

☆ NWSL to launch expansion process for 16th team
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nov 10 (Reuters) - The NWSL will begin the process of expanding to a 16th team, Commissioner Jessica Berman said on Friday, as the top-flight North American league looks to build with a landmark new broadcast deal in place. The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) previously announced it will welcome a 13th and 14th club next year, the San Jose-based Bay FC and the Utah Royals, and a Boston-based team is expected to join beginning in 2026. The league welcomed two other teams, Los Angeles' Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC, in 2022. Berman said that viewership on the CBS network was up 41% year-over-year this season while streaming on Paramount+ climbed 83%. The NWSL season wraps up on Saturday with a championship match between the Seattle-based OL Reign and NJ/NY Gotham FC at San Diego's Snapdragon Stadium.

Persons: Jessica Berman, Berman, Amy Tennery, Christian Schmollinger Organizations: Women's Soccer League, FC, Utah Royals, Angel City FC, San Diego Wave FC, ESPN, CBS, Prime Sports, Scripps, ION, Paramount, NY Gotham FC, Thomson Locations: San Jose, Boston, Los Angeles, U.S, Seattle, NJ, San, New York

Gotham was able to run out the clock and marked its first NWSL title with a wild celebration near midfield. The non-contact injury to Reign star Rapinoe took some of the wind out of the crowd at San Diego State's Snapdragon Stadium. Rapinoe broke toward Maitane Lopez of Gotham, who was dribbling outside the penalty area, and suddenly went down in the third minute. Rapinoe announced before this summer’s Women’s World Cup that she was stepping away from the game after a career that included two World Cup titles, an Olympic gold medal and an Olympic bronze. The field at Snapdragon appeared in better shape than it was on Sunday night, when the Reign beat the San Diego Wave to advance, some 24 hours after a home San Diego State football game.

Persons: Esther González, Megan Rapinoe hobbled, Mandy Haught, Nealy Martin, Rose Lavelle, Rapinoe, San Diego State's, Gotham's Ali Krieger, Maitane Lopez, Gotham, Krieger, González, Midge Purce, Claudia Dickey, Purce, Lynn Williams, Lavelle dribbled, ___ Organizations: DIEGO, Gotham FC, Women's Soccer League, Gotham, San Diego, Women’s, San Diego Wave, San Diego State football, Spain Locations: Gotham, San, Rapinoe, Snapdragon

☆ Brazil's Kerolin named NWSL's Most Valuable Player
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 15, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit midfielder Paige Metayer (26) makes a tackle against North Carolina Courage forward Kerolin Nicoli (9) during the second half at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNov 10 (Reuters) - Brazil forward Kerolin of North Carolina Courage has been named the 2023 National Women's Soccer League's Most Valuable Player, the league said on Friday. Kerolin, who scored a career-high 10 goals in 19 games during her second NWSL season and finished as the Golden Boot runner-up, is the first South American-born player and fourth international to win the league's highest individual honor. The 23-year-old Kerolin, who played at the Women's World Cup, led North Carolina to the third seed in the NWSL six-team playoffs where they were eliminated in the opening round. Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Paige Metayer, Kerolin, Geoff Burke, North Carolina Courage, Sam Coffey, Sophia Smith, San Diego Wave's Naomi Girma, Frank Pingue, Ken Ferris Organizations: District of Columbia, Washington, North Carolina Courage, Audi Field, USA, North Carolina, Portland, Portland Thorns , Kansas City Current's, Thomson Locations: Washington, District, USA, Brazil, American, North Carolina, Portland Thorns , Kansas, San, Toronto

☆ Rapinoe meets high stakes with a smile ahead of NWSL championship
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-10 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

But Saturday's showdown between Gotham FC and her OL Reign gives Rapinoe one last chance to claim the National Women's Soccer League championship after years of thwarted attempts, with the team she has been a part of since its inception. "It's really unique that you get to a championship game ever in your career. Rapinoe's Seattle farewell match last month averaged 683,000 viewers on CBS, an NWSL regular-season record. It was, you know, so much fun to watch and be a part of," said Rapinoe. Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Ali Krieger, Lu Barnes, they've, Rapinoe's, Amy Tennery, Christian Radnedge Organizations: United States, Gotham FC, National Women's Soccer League, New, Rapinoe, ESPN, CBS, Prime Sports, Scripps, ION, Thomson Locations: New York, New, Rapinoe's Seattle

The National Women's Soccer League is looking to add a 16th team, Commissioner Jessica Berman announced Friday. Gotham FC plays OL Reign for the league title on Saturday night. Political Cartoons View All 1240 ImagesBerman said ticket sales to NWSL games grew 36% this season and average attendance at games was up 26 percent. Last month, OL Reign attracted a record NWSL crowd of 34,130 to Lumen Field in Seattle for Megan Rapinoe's farewell match. The sale of both OL Reign and the Portland Thorns is progressing, with deals expected to be announced by the end of this year, Berman said.

Persons: Jessica Berman, “, ” Berman, Berman, Lumen, Megan Rapinoe's, we've, ___ Organizations: Women's Soccer League, Utah Royals, Bay FC, Gotham FC, ESPN, CBS Sports, Amazon Prime, Scripps Sports, San Diego Wave, CBS, Portland Locations: Northern California, Boston, U.S, Seattle

☆ NWSL announces record broadcast deal to start in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Scripps Company CEO Adam Symson speaks during a press conference announcing the NWSL’s new partnerships with CBS Sports, ESPN, Prime Video, and Scripps Sports at Venue 808. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports Acquire Licensing RightsNEW YORK, Nov 9 (Reuters) - The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) has agreed a four-year media deal with broadcasters ESPN, CBS, Prime Sports and Scripps' ION Network, the league said on Thursday. The NWSL described the deal, worth a reported $60 million annually, as the "largest media investment in women's sports history", promising "record-breaking distribution and revenue" for the top-flight American league. The 2024 NWSL will include two expansion teams, Bay FC and the Utah Royals. Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Adam Symson, Kyle Terada, Jessica Berman, Rosalyn Durant, Amy Tennery, Ed Osmond Organizations: Scripps Company, CBS Sports, ESPN, Prime, Scripps Sports, Women's Soccer League, CBS, Prime Sports, Scripps, ION Network, Bay FC, Utah Royals, Thomson Locations: San Diego , California, USA, Australia, New Zealand, New York

The National Women's Soccer League on Thursday announced a new media rights deal that will feature the league's matches on ESPN, CBS Sports, Amazon Prime Video and Scripps Sports. “We’re resetting the standards by which women’s sports can be valued.”The league's current deal with CBS Sports ends at the end of this season. Political Cartoons View All 1239 ImagesStarting next season, a Friday night game on Prime Video will kick off each weekend. The remaining regular season games will be part of a domestic direct-to-consumer package produced and distributed by the NWSL, the league said. In the playoffs, Prime Video and a CBS platform will each broadcast a quarterfinal each, while ESPN/ABC airs the other two.

Persons: ”, Jessica Berman, “ We're, ” Sean McManus, Berman, Megan Rapinoe's, Lumen, Rapinoe, Ali Krieger, ___ Organizations: Women's Soccer League, ESPN, CBS Sports, Amazon Prime, Scripps Sports, Gotham FC, CBS, Scripps, ION, Paramount, CBS Sports Network, ABC, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, Endeavor, NHL, NFL, Utah Royals, Bay FC, U.S . Locations: San Diego, Seattle, Gotham

☆ NWSL announces media deals with CBS Sports, ESPN, Amazon worth $240 million
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-09 | by ( Laya Neelakandan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The National Women's Soccer League announced a four-year contract Thursday for media distribution with CBS Sports, ESPN, Amazon Prime Video and Scripps Sports . The NWSL will begin each regular-season weekend with Friday night matches on Prime Video, followed by double-header Saturday night games on Scripps'-owned ION network. The league will also air a package of regular-season matches on CBS and stream live on Paramount+. Additionally, ESPN will air a package of matches across its various channels, including live streaming on ESPN+ in English and Spanish. CBS will air a minimum of 21 games, ESPN and ABC will air 20 games, Prime Video will air 27 games and Scripps will air 50, according to the league.

Persons: Carli Lloyd of, Sydney Leroux, Orlando, Jessica Berman, —, Jessica Golden Organizations: Carli Lloyd of NJ, NY Gotham FC, Match, Sydney, Orlando Pride, Red Bull Arena, Women's Soccer League, CBS Sports, ESPN, Amazon Prime, Scripps Sports, Prime, Scripps, ION, CBS, Paramount, CNBC, ABC

☆ MLS player forcibly removed from officials' locker room - referees' body
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Cincinnati beat New York at Red Bull Arena in a penalty shootout on Saturday, advancing to the semi-finals of the MLS Playoffs. "After the Nov 4th NYRB/FC Cincinnati match, a player gained unauthorized entry into the Officials' locker room & was forcibly removed by stadium security while acting in an aggressive & hostile manner," the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) said on social media. PSRA referees officiate matches for MLS, the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the United Soccer Leagues (USL). The PSRA did not confirm which player was removed or the nature of their dispute. "Major League Soccer is aware of the report of a player gaining unauthorized access into the officials’ locker room," the league said in a statement.

Persons: Enisa, Vincent Carchietta, Amy Tennery, Toby Davis Organizations: FC Cincinnati, New York Red Bulls, Red Bull, Major League Soccer, Cincinnati, New York, MLS, Professional Soccer Referees Association, National Women's Soccer League, United Soccer Leagues, USL, Thomson Locations: Harrison , NJ, USA, New, New York

☆ Rapinoe adds final stop on farewell tour with NWSL Championship
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 5, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; OL Reign forward Megan Rapinoe (15) controls the ball against San Diego Wave FC forward Rachel Hill (3) and defender Christen Westphal (20) in the first half during the National Womens Soccer League Semifinal between San Diego Wave and OL Reign at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit:... Acquire Licensing Rights Read moreNEW YORK, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Two-times Women's World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe has added one final stop on her farewell tour, with her OL Reign side beating the top-ranked San Diego Wave to reach the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Championship on Saturday. "The fairytale is Pinoe and Kriegs, it's a great story," OL Reign coach Laura Harvey told reporters. OL Reign will play Gotham FC on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET (+1day 0100 GMT) at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Rachel Hill, Christen Westphal, Ballon, Ali Krieger, Rose Lavelle, Veronica Latsko's, Krieger, Pinoe's, it's, Laura Harvey, Amy Tennery, Christian Radnedge Organizations: San Diego Wave FC, National Womens Soccer, Semifinal, San Diego Wave, Diego Wave, Women's Soccer League, New Zealand, Gotham FC, San, Gotham, Portland Thorns, Saturday, Thomson Locations: San Diego , California, USA, United States, Australia, New, Reign's, San Diego, Seattle, York, New Jersey, New York

☆ Canada's Sinclair soaking it all in as international career nears end
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Frank Pingue | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 26 (Reuters) - Canada's Christine Sinclair never backed down from pressure-packed situations throughout her illustrious career but admitted on Thursday that she was looking forward to a stress-free end to her international career over the coming weeks. "Just trying to soak it all in," Sinclair said in her first official press conference since she announced her retirement last week. The 40-year-old Sinclair's international career includes a record 190 goals for Canada in 327 games, an Olympic gold medal and six World Cup appearances. When Canada's World Cup hopes ended in the group stage after a thrashing by hosts Australia in July Sinclair knew she did not want her international career to end on that note. "I thought that was going to be it, I was going to walk off and not say a word and just be done," said Sinclair.

Persons: Christine Sinclair, Sinclair, I'm, Frank Pingue, Ken Ferris Organizations: Brazil, Australia, Canada, Portland Thorns, National Women's Soccer League, Thomson Locations: Canada, Montreal, Halifax, British Columbia, Jamaica, Portland, Toronto

☆ Sinclair to end Canada career against Australia in December
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Soccer Football - FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Group B - Canada Training - Olympic Park, Melbourne, Australia - July 24, 2023 Canada's Christine Sinclair during training REUTERS/Hannah Mckay/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 23 (Reuters) - Striker Christine Sinclair will wrap up her illustrious international career in a two-match series at home to Australia in early December, Canada Soccer said on Monday. Canada, who were eliminated by Australia in the group phase of this year's Women's World Cup, will face the Matildas on Dec. 1 and Dec. 5 in British Columbia. "Competing against a top opposition in Australia will be critical in our preparation ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics," said Canada head coach Bev Priestman. The 40-year-old Sinclair's international career includes a record 190 goals for Canada in 327 games, an Olympic gold medal and six World Cup appearances. Last month, Sinclair helped Canada clinch a Paris Olympic berth with a win over Jamaica in Toronto.

Persons: Christine Sinclair, Hannah Mckay, Striker Christine Sinclair, Sinclair, Bev Priestman, Frank Pingue, Ken Ferris Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Canada, Canada Soccer, Portland Thorns, National Women's Soccer League, Australia, Jamaica, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Melbourne, Australia, British Columbia, Canada, Vancouver, Toronto

☆ Rapinoe bids farewell as record NWSL crowd, sports greats pay tribute
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Oct 6, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; OL Reign forward Megan Rapinoe (15) reacts after the game against Washington Spirit at Lumen Field. It was always the safest place," Rapinoe, 38, said of her time in Seattle. Rapinoe had already called time on her international career, wearing the U.S. crest for the last time last month in friendly against South Africa. Players from each side hugged Rapinoe as she stepped off the field to a roars from the crowd, which included her five-time Olympic basketball gold medallist fiance Sue Bird. Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Edwina GibbsOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Stephen Brashear, Lumen, Billie Jean King, Ken Griffey Jr, Ballon, it's, Rapinoe, Aubrey Kingsbury, Claudia Dickey, Dorian Bailey's, Trinity Rodman, Sue Bird, It's, Amy Tennery, Edwina Gibbs Organizations: Washington, USA, National Women's Soccer League, NFL's Seattle Seahawks, Seattle, South, Rapinoe, Players, Thomson Locations: Seattle , Washington, USA, Seattle, South Africa, Washington, New York

The retiring star was honored by club team OL Reign on Friday night in front of a National Women's Soccer League record crowd of 34,130 fans, many of whom wore pink wigs in her honor. Rapinoe had already played her final match with the U.S. national team last month in Chicago, but Friday marked her final regular-season home game for the Reign. The 38-year-old Rapinoe has played in 114 regular-season games for the Reign and scored 49 goals. “And she's really embraced her role with her full authentic self.”Rapinoe is also known for her social justice activism. She led the national team's long fight for equal pay with the men’s national team, which started with an EEOC complaint in 2016.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, “, ”, Sue Bird, Rapinoe, Lumen, Lauren Barnes, Abby Wambach, Ken Griffey Jr, Magic Johnson, Billie Jean King, isn't, —, Ballon, Jessica Berman, ” Berman, Colin Kaepernick Organizations: SEATTLE, Women's Soccer League, Washington, U.S ., Chicago Red Stars, Orlando Pride, FIFA, men’s, U.S, Soccer, NFL Locations: Chicago, Australia, New Zealand, France, Netherlands, U.S

☆ Rapinoe brings the curtain down on her fabled international career
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"It has been such an honour to be able to wear this shirt, play with all these players and live out my childhood dream," Rapinoe said at the end of the game. With 203 caps and 63 goals for her national team, the veteran played in four World Cups, winning in 2015 and 2019, and helped the U.S. to claimed the Olympic gold at the 2012 London Games. Her activism and off-field personality brought her to achieve household fame after supporting causes such as LGBT+ rights, speaking out against racism and standing up for equal pay in women's soccer. Rapinoe is scheduled to play her last National Women's Soccer League regular-season game with OL Reign on Oct. 6 against Washington Spirit in Seattle. Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City; Editing by Michael PerryOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, Alex Morgan, Emily Sonnett, Ballon, Lindsey Horan, Rapinoe, Angelica Medina, Michael Perry Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, REUTERS, South Africa, Soldier, Trinity Rodman's, Ballon d'Or, Women's Soccer League, Washington Spirit, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Sweden, United States, Melbourne, Australia, U.S, Chicago, soccer, Seattle, Mexico City

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