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☆ 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

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

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ 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

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

☆ Head of Spanish women's soccer league says Rubiales-led FA was 'sexist'
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-27 | by ( Elena Rodriguez | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

President of Spain's women's Liga F soccer league Beatriz Alvarez speaks with Reuters during an interview at their headquarters in Madrid, Spain, September 27, 2023. "At least since I came to the Liga F, there has been an absolute lack of institutional respect - as well as sexism - from the federation," Alvarez added. Alvarez recounted how her third child had been born just a day before the Liga F season kicked off. Alvarez said she was not invited by the RFEF to the Women's World Cup final in Sydney, which she believes would never have happened to the president of the men's league. Still, she said the fact that the women's team won the World Cup had put them in the global spotlight, which should boost women's football, help to stamp out sexist attitudes and promote equality.

Persons: Spain's, Beatriz Alvarez, Juan Medina, Luis Rubiales, Rubiales, Jenni Hermoso's, Hermoso, Alvarez, Elena Rodríguez, Guillermo Martínez, David Latona, Andrei Khalip, Ed Osmond Organizations: Liga F, Reuters, REUTERS, Rights, Spain's, Liga, women's, Thomson Locations: Madrid, Spain, Rights MADRID, Spanish, videoconference, Sydney

☆ 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

☆ Twice US World Cup champion Ertz bows out
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Sep 21, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; United States midfielder Julie Ertz (8) acknowledges the crowd as she walks the field after the match against South Africa at TQL Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports Acquire Licensing RightsSept 21 (Reuters) - Two-time World Cup champion Julie Ertz bid farewell to professional soccer with a 3-0 U.S. victory over South Africa in a friendly in Cincinnati on Thursday. Ertz, a twice Female Player of the Year who played a key role in the team's World Cup winning campaigns in 2015 and 2019, was given an emotional send off with fans holding up messages of appreciation throughout the contest. Some were hoping that Ertz, who took an 18-month break prior to this year's Women's World Cup to give birth to her son Madden, might be convinced to stay on through next year's Paris Olympics but she said her priorities had changed. "I've got a little boy that I'm exciting to spend my time with," said Ertz, who is married to NFL tight end Zach Ertz.

Persons: Julie Ertz, Aaron Doster, Ertz, Madden, I've, Zach Ertz, Striker Alex Morgan, She's, Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Rory Carroll, Michael Perry Organizations: South, TQL, NFL, Women's Soccer League, Chicago Red Stars, Angel City FC, U.S ., Thomson Locations: Cincinnati , Ohio, USA, United States, South Africa, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, New Zealand, Australia, Chicago

☆ CarMax just promoted a longtime employee to CMO. She tells Insider how she went from search analyst to marketing chief.
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-21 | by ( Ryan Joe | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

CarMax just promoted its long-time employee and VP of marketing Sarah Lane to the role of CMO and SVP. Lane started as a search analyst at the company at the age of 22 and in the early aughts, when the company was in only a handful of markets. "We haven't permeated culture in the way that brands today want to and need to, to have that lasting legacy," Lane told Insider. I want to be the only place to consider when you buy a used car." She's also monitoring the United Auto Workers strikes to figure out how they could potentially drive more demand to the used car market.

Persons: CarMax, Sarah Lane, Lane, Jim Lyski, Candace Parker, Sue Bird, Steph Curry, Usain Bolt —, we've, Joseph Kunkel Organizations: Automotive News, Circuit, National Women's Soccer League, WNBA, United Auto Workers, CMO Locations: CarMax

☆ WSL confident of becoming first billion pound women's soccer league
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( Christian Radnedge | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Soccer Football - Women's Super League - Reading v Chelsea - Madejski Stadium, Reading, Britain - May 27, 2023 Chelsea's Magdalena Eriksson celebrates with the trophy and team mates after winning the Women's Super League Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsLONDON, Sept 18 (Reuters) - England's Women's Super League is confident of becoming the first billion pound ($1.24 billion) women's soccer league in the world within 10 years, the chair of the WSL's board said ahead of the new season that begins next month. "One of the stated goals that we have is to make this league the first billion pound women's league in the world, that is league revenue and club revenue and there's no reason why we shouldn't do it," Airey told reporters at a launch day for the new WSL season in north west London. LOWER LEAGUESAirey also said they wanted a close relationship with the lower leagues and to avoid a revenue-governance split like the one between the men's Premier League and the lower tiers of the English Football League. The WSL will negotiate a new deal once the Premier League has agreed its new TV rights package, to avoid clashing publicity, Airey said. "The reality is the infrastructure isn't there in many of the women's games, so you're talking about a huge investment.

Persons: Chelsea's Magdalena Eriksson, John Sibley, Dawn Airey, Airey, Sue Campbell, we've, Dawn, Campbell, Christian Radnedge, Ken Ferris Organizations: Soccer, League, Reading, Chelsea, Madejski, The Football Association, men's Premier League, English Football League, BBC, Sky Sports, Premier League, Women's Football, FIFA, Saudi, Thomson Locations: Reading, Britain, London, Saudi, Saudi Arabia

☆ Spanish women players call off strike after reaching pay agreement
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Sept 14 (Reuters) - Unions representing players in Spain's women's soccer league have called off their strike after reaching an agreement on minimum wages, the Futbol Profesional Femenino (FPF) organisation said on Thursday. The players went on strike at the start of the month before the first two fixtures of the season after failing to reach an agreement with the league on better conditions and pay. The FPF is the organising body of the top league of women's soccer in Spain. The minimum salary for next season will be 22,500 euros, with the potential to rise up to 25,000 euros, and the minimum salary for the final season covered by the agreement has been set at 23,500 euros, potentially increasing to 28,000 euros. ($1 = 0.9313 euros)Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru; Editing by Angus MacSwanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, Jenni Hermoso, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Angus MacSwan Organizations: Futbol Profesional, Spanish, Thomson Locations: Spain, Bengaluru

☆ Oscar winner Portman praises Spain team's resilience amid kiss scandal
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Bruna Casas Acquire Licensing RightsBERLIN, Sept 7 (Reuters) - Oscar-winning actress and soccer club co-owner Natalie Portman on Thursday praised Spain's World Cup-winning players, saying they showed great resilience against "harassment, abuse and assault". Rubiales has refused to step down, saying he did nothing wrong and is a victim of "false feminism". Portman said in a speech to the European Clubs’ Association General Assembly on Thursday that other teams had in the past had to fight for equal pay. "This time the Spanish team was fighting against harassment, abuse and assault," said the actor, who is co-founder and co-owner of National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team Angel City in Los Angeles. Reporting by Karolos Grohmann: Editing by Angus MacSwanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, Jenni Hermoso, Bruna Casas, Natalie Portman, Spain's, Jenni Hermoso's, Rubiales, Portman, Karolos Grohmann, Angus MacSwan Organizations: Royal Spanish Football Federation, REUTERS, Bruna, Rights, Clubs ’, General, Spanish, National Women's Soccer League, Angel City, FIFA, Thomson Locations: Sant, Barcelona, Spain, Spanish, Sydney, Angel, Los Angeles, Australia

☆ Spanish women's soccer unions call strike over conditions
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

FILE PHOTO-Soccer Football - People protest against Royal Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales - Plaza Callao, Madrid, Spain - August 28, 2023 General view during a protest in Madrid following a kiss between Royal Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales and Spain's Jennifer Hermoso after the Women's World Cup Final Acquire Licensing Rights Read moreMADRID, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Unions representing players in Spain's women's soccer league called for a strike during the first two fixtures of the season after failing to agree with the league on better conditions and pay, the Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE) union said on Friday. AFE, the biggest of the unions, said the strike was the result of an impasse in negotiations with Liga F for a collective bargaining deal seeking to "achieve fair and dignified treatment for female soccer players and address and reduce the existing wage gap", among other issues. The stoppage is set to take place during the weekends of Sept. 8-9 and Sept. 15-16. It comes amid a national furore over football federation boss Luis Rubiales grabbing and kissing a Women's World Cup-winning player. Reporting by David Latona; Editing by Hugh LawsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, AFE, David Latona, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Soccer Football, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Plaza, Spanish Footballers ' Association, Liga F, Thomson Locations: Plaza Callao, Madrid, Spain, MADRID

Major League Baseball was the first to open its coffers to private-investment funds in 2019; a slew of other leagues followed, including the National Basketball Association, Major League Soccer and the National Hockey League. A big participant in that is Sixth Street Partners, a $74 billion behemoth, known historically for its direct lending and growth prowess, and has been making big inroads in the sports world in recent years, with several billion dollars' worth of investments. The firm recently co-founded Bay FC, part of the National Women's Soccer League, alongside several retired players, as well as Sheryl Sandberg. Sixth Street also made investments in FC Barcelona's LaLiga TV broadcasting rights and a majority investment in Legends, a sports and entertainment experiences company. In June 2021, Sixth Street led a strategic investment with Michael Dell in the San Antonio Spurs basketball team.

Persons: Carlyle, David Rubenstein, Sheryl Sandberg, Michael Dell, Alan Waxman, what's, it's, Waxman Organizations: Alpha, CNBC, Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, Major League Soccer, National Hockey League, Sixth Street Partners, Bay FC, National Women's Soccer League, Sixth, FC Barcelona's LaLiga, San Antonio Spurs basketball, Spanish soccer, Real Madrid Locations: U.S, Spanish

☆ Rapinoe to play final game for US on Sept. 24
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Rapinoe, 38, announced last month before the Women's World Cup that she would retire when the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season ends in November. She was one of three American players to miss her spot-kick when the U.S. were knocked out by Sweden on penalties in the last 16 stage of this year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Rapnioe will end her international career with 203 caps and currently has 63 goals and 73 assists for the national team. She has also been an advocate for LGBT+ rights and equal pay in women's soccer. Rapinoe is scheduled to play her last NWSL regular-season game with OL Reign on Oct. 6 against Washington Spirit in Seattle.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Hannah Mckay, Rapinoe, It's, Hritika Sharma, Christopher Cushing Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, World, United, United States women's, South, U.S . Soccer Federation, USSF, National Women's Soccer League, Washington Spirit, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Sweden, United States, Melbourne, Australia, U.S, South Africa, Chicago, Rapinoe, soccer, Seattle, Hyderabad

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