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The Chicago Red Stars, in a move that can only be construed as the other shoe dropping, announced the beginning of the process of finding new owners for the NWSL franchise.
In a statement, club owner Arnim Whisler said:
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“For the last 15 years, my family and I have proudly poured our hearts, time, resources and efforts into founding the NWSL and transforming the Chicago Red Stars into one of the top women’s soccer clubs in the world. It is clear now that we needed to provide greater support for our players and we deeply regret that we didn’t do more sooner.
“We understand this is an important time for new leadership and it is with a heavy heart that we have made the decision to start the process of selling the team. Our group has engaged New York City investment bank Inner Circle Sports to facilitate the sale and our intent is to work with the league and the club to diligently find the right ownership that represents the diversity of Chicago and support a smooth transition of ownership.”
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This follows the club’s decision in October to remove Whisler from all participation in club or managerial operations in the wake of the report compiled by Sally Yates, a 319-page document — entitled “Report of the Independent Investigation to the U.S. Soccer Federation Concerning Allegations of Abusive Behavior and Sexual Misconduct in Women’s Professional Soccer” that found the NWSL to be a haven for predators and abusers.
The Red Stars’ sale process beginning comes closely after the announced sale of the Portland Thorns, more detritus from the Yates report. Owner Merritt Paulson’s decision came nearly two months after a pair of Thorns executives were dismissed for their roles in systemic abuse and misconduct within the NWSL.
There is at this time no price being sought, or timetable for the process. And while there is no definite word about the team’s future in Chicago, there is a reference in the statement — “diligently find the right ownership that represents the diversity of Chicago” — that will give Red Stars supporters hope.
