r/NWSL

i was surprised this whole ordeal wasn't already posted in the sub, so i apologize if i somehow missed a post about this already.

tldr is that wilkinson was previously the president of both the timbers (mls) and the thorns but was fired after being featured heavily in the yates report for not reporting or acting on complaints from players and staff about sexual abuse by the thorns head coach, paul riley.

from the article linked: "He was fired in 2022 after his name showed up prominently in the Yates Report, the independent investigation into abusive behavior and sexual misconduct in women's professional soccer. 

While the report did not specifically sanction Wilkinson, it portrayed him as overseeing a toxic environment with the Thorns, where the sexual misconduct by head coach Paul Riley was an open secret. The report indicates that Wilkinson did not adequately respond to reports from players and team trainers about Riley's sexual harassment as well as the coach's unsafe actions that endangered players' health. Two days after the report came out, Wilkinson was let go."

"Though the Earthquakes and Bay FC are independent of each other, they share the same building and the same market. The fact that the Earthquakes cavalierly hired Wilkinson, without any consideration of his toxic reputation in women's soccer, is beyond insulting to their co-tenants, who are supposed to be their partners in building a soccer culture."

Cont: "On Monday, Bay FC issued a statement that read: "As an organization committed to building a safe, inclusive and respectful environment, we believe the actions and history associated with Wilkinson's time in professional soccer are inconsistent with the standards we hold for those entrusted to lead in our sport.

"We stand with the players, survivors and advocates who have worked tirelessly to make soccer a safer and more inclusive place and we will continue to put the safety, dignity and well-being of our players and our community first.""

Location: Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center, Fayetteville, GA

Time: 6:00 PM

Watch: YouTube

How this San Diego native made a name for herself in the soccer world.

I’m curious to hear what your club does outside of home matches and merchandise to engage the community and build their brand? (This is not “which club is the best?” But rather “who is doing what?”)

Here’s some examples for KC:
Watch parties of away matches at the stadium
Youth camps
Adult rec league
Player appearances
Civic support (United Way, no cost/low cost soccer programs in underfunded neighborhoods)
Launching a podcast/media studio at the stadium
Free concerts outside the stadium
Many billboards throughout downtown
Our free-use public transportation is wrapped with the players and shield

Loaned through June 2027

There are many good things going for the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) right now,

Over half of the clubs (9) are averaging 10000 or more in attendance per match

This league is expanding to 18 clubs in 2028 (Atlanta & Columbus)

There is more sponsorship than ever

Attendance is up over 2025 (but below 2024 numbers for now)

And that this league we love has not been infested by a culture war scandal that has propelled this great league into the national zeltgiest* (unlike the WNBA),

But there are a few bad things going for the NWSL on the brink of a World Cup year (Women's)

Nearly half of the clubs draw less than 10000 people (7)

Only 4 of the 16 clubs control their stadium availability (Chicago** Denver Kansas City & North Carolina***)

Most NWSL clubs are second fiddle to MLS clubs (Where they play)

And that you need (to watch your club) 3 different streaming subscriptions to watch every match your club plays in the NWSL,

So what do y'all think?

What is wrong with the NWSL and what can Commissioner Berman the Advisory Board the Board Of Directors & supporters do to fix it?

*Elizabeth Eddy and her gross New York Post op-ed made the league relevant to a right-wing audience,but no NWSL scandal has become relevant since the SA allegations broke out in 2021

**Could change if the Chicago Stars move to Ryan Field in 2027

***Could change if North Carolina FC ever returns as an USL Premier (D1 & if it ever happens)

This doesn’t feel much like a football club anymore to me yall 😭 maybe I’m naive but it feels like ACFC is fully committed to operating like some sort of a football company rather than a football club?

Given the depth of the national team player pool it would be difficult but just for funsies - Do you think any of the U23 players from the last camp in June could possibly push for a WWC spot?

GK: Neeku Purcell, Jordan Silkowitz

DF: Jordyn Bugg, Carolyn Calzada, Kate Del Fava, Eva Gaetino, Leah Klenke, Ayo Oke, Evelyn Shores

MF: Sofia Cook, Ally Lemos, Yuna McCormack, Taylor Suarez, Pietra Tordin

FW: Trinity Byars, Maddie Dahlien, Jordynn Dudley, Mia Fishel, Madison Haley, Kat Rader

Or any other U23 players that weren't called into this camp that aren't currently with the seniors?