Women's Soccer League Suspends 2012 Season

Women's Professional Soccer announced Monday that its Board of Governors has voted to suspend the 2012 season so it can focus on pending legal issues, including an ongoing dispute with a former owner.

The seasons means fans will have to wait until next year to see Sky Blue FC, which plays in Piscataway.

"We are proud of what the League has accomplished in the first three seasons, but we do recognize the necessity to resolve our existing legal and operational issues so that we can continue to support and grow WPS the right way," said Sky Blue FC Owner Thomas Hofstetter, in a press release. "This was a very difficult decision, but one we as owners feel is the best business decision for the League at this time."

According to the Washington Post, WPS terminated its South Florida franchise in October after a dispute with its owner, Dan Borislow. In January, a Florida judge ruled that the league failed to follow its own dispute procedures when it terminated the franchise, and another court hearing is set for Wednesday.

WPS CEO Jennifer O’Sullivan said owners chose to cancel the season over possibly working with Borislow in the league again, according to the Washington Post.

“We have diverted so many resources into litigation,” she told the Post. “This is something that needs to be resolved before we can move forward with play.”

According to a press release from Sky Blue FC, the board voted on Monday morning to suspend the 2012 season and expects to return in 2013.

"We firmly believe there is a place in the global sports landscape for Women's Professional Soccer," said O'Sullivan. "Making the decision to suspend the 2012 season was a difficult and painful one, but it is necessary to take the time to address current issues and solidify our business in order to provide appropriate support needed to achieve the League's long-term goals. Those that take part in our league—players, partners and fans—deserve the best, and that is what we are taking the time to ensure we deliver when we resume play in 2013 and beyond."

WPS has established its plans to return to play in 2013, and all five owners of the League's existing teams—Atlanta Beat, Boston Breakers, Philadelphia Independence, Sky Blue FC and Western New York Flash—will remain active with the CEO, in the governance of WPS throughout the current year, according to Sky Blue.

"We are deeply grateful to our fans and partners for the tremendous support they have shown for WPS, our players and the sport," added O'Sullivan. "With our supporters and athletes in mind, we are committed to complete the hard work necessary to resume play in 2013 and reestablish WPS as the premiere women's professional soccer league in the world."

In a letter released Monday, Hofstetter said he is confident that there would be a season in 2013.

"I can confidently say that this decision, made by the Board of Governors of WPS, of which I am a member, was the only viable choice. If we had maintained operations status quo, the various issues with which we are currently battling would have caught up with us within the 2012 season. Consequently, we could have been forced to cease operation entirely by the end of the season."