WPS to announce Allocation results on Sept. 16

SAN FRANCISCO (Sept. 12, 2008) – Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) will announce the allocation results of the U.S. Women’s National Team players to its teams on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at the Sports Museum of America in Manhattan. Commissioner Tonya Antonucci and WPS Part-Owner and two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash will emcee the invitation-only event.

“The excitement for Allocation has been building for months as fans, coaches and even the players have been speculating about which athletes will be dispersed to which markets,” said Antonucci. “We’re eager to make this announcement as it allows our teams to build upon the momentum of the National Team’s gold medal victory at the 2008 Olympics by generating awareness around their players in advance of the League’s April 2009 launch.”

Members of the U.S. Women’s National Team player pool, including several 2008 Olympic gold medalists, will be allocated to the seven WPS teams who will participate in the inaugural 2009 season: Bay Area, Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, Los Angeles, Sky Blue FC, St. Louis and Washington Freedom.

The allocation process began with members of the National Team player pool submitting their city preferences to the League. After reviewing the athletes’ lists, the Teams likewise forwarded their player preferences to the League.

A League committee is examining both lists and considering League and Team marketing initiatives before sending an allocation recommendation to the Teams. Upon evaluating this recommendation, the Teams may release players to the allocation board. Prior to the Sept. 16 announcement, the WPS Board of Governors will hold a 48-hour closed-door meeting in New York City to determine the final allocation results. During this time, the Board of Governors will consult with the players, teams and league in order to accomplish the best possible dispersal for all parties.

At the conclusion of the closed-door meeting, the Board of Governors will forward its allocation decisions to Commissioner Antonucci for final approval.

“I’m expecting a lively process with the Board of Governors,” said Antonucci. “As much as the teams are trying to improve their positioning, they possess an understanding and appreciation of the significance of this event. Everyone wants to ensure that a strong foundation is laid for all seven teams.”

Immediately after Allocation, the WPS Board of Governors will convene to weight the seven teams by strength. This ranking will determine the selection order for the International Player Draft, to be held the week of Sept. 22.

Coverage of Allocation including the announcement will be provided at womensprosoccer.com and the League’s Social Network, fans.womensprosoccer.com. Learn more about how to follow Allocation.