NWSL teams Portland Thorns FC and Chicago Red Stars for sale
Content warning: This section contains mention of verbal and emotional abuse.
The GIST: The NWSL has not one, but two teams on the market. The league confirmed yesterday that Merritt Paulson will sell Portland Thorns FC, while a report emerged hours later that Chicago Red Stars majority owner Arnim Whisler has started the process to do the same. Welcome moves.
The recap: Like Paulson, Whisler was named in an independent investigation after he repeatedly ignored allegations that former head coach Rory Dames was verbally and emotionally abusive towards players. He was removed as chairman of the club’s board days after the investigative report was published.
The Thorns: A women-led group of 30 plans to submit a formal bid to buy the club within the next week. Former Nike execs Melanie Strong and Sue Levin are leading the effort alongside ex-WNBA COO Ann Rodriguez, and are reportedly in conversations to collaborate with a fan-led initiative fronted by venture capital exec Chris Bright.
- From an operational standpoint, Strong’s group is pitching a model in which the Thorns will share a third of the Timbers’ staff. It also aims to ink its own deal (like the Timbers) with the city of Portland to remain at Providence Park.
- Paulson could still face punishment from the NWSL once its joint investigation with the Players Association wraps up, likely at the end of the year. In the meantime, he will contribute $1 million to create the league’s Player Safety Department.
The Red Stars: In Chicago, the Red Stars board has approved of Whisler’s choice to initiate a sale of his shares. Whisler has hired Inner Circle Sports to lead the process, the same investment bank handling the NWSL’s expansion search. No timeline was set for this process.
- Like Paulson, Whisler is still subject to punishment from the NWSL after the investigation concludes. Birds of a (horrible) feather.
The value: Reigning champs Portland are valued at $60 million, though the eventual sale price will depend on what pieces of the club the new ownership group actually acquires. Strong and co. are eyeing more than just operational rights — media rights are another one of the assets on the group’s agenda.
- Chicago’s price is expected to be much lower. The club drummed up some value when it onboarded new minority investors last year, but has enjoyed little business success under Whisler’s leadership.
Zooming out: Pressure from sponsors and the women’s soccer community at large is successfully driving out Paulson and Whisler, presenting new owners the opportunity to maximize each clubs’ individual potential. Should they succeed, it may strengthen the argument Angel City FC is making for operating NWSL clubs independent of MLS clubs.
- Above all, the sales will hopefully offer both clubs a chance to reset under leaders who care about player and staff safety.
