WPS 2012 Preview: Executives Discuss League Expansion, Future of WNY Flash

WPS will play with five clubs if necessary, announced Jennifer O'Sullivan, new CEO of Women's Professional Soccer, at a press conference held at Sahlen's Sports Park, headquarters of the World Champion women's club team, Western New York Flash.

O'Sullivan stopped in Buffalo as part of her introductory tour to league markets. She spoke to reporters at the training and administrative center for the league champions, along with Western New York Flash owner Joe Sahlen, head coach Aaran Lines, team president Alex Sahlen and marketing staff. 

Several questions hanging over the three-year-old league were addressed. Several others were left open.

First, despite previous statements by league officials, WPS can and will play with five clubs if a sixth club is not ready to launch an expansion season in time for 2012.

There are several groups, who are putative expansion teams, who could be ready for play in 2013. The most likely candidate for a 2012 start would be a club franchise beginning to organize in Hartford, CT.

A Hartford club would further concentrate the league's play in the Northeast, with Atlanta the only exception.

"There's lots of interest in expansion on the West Coast, the Midwest and the deep South," O'Sullivan stated. "For 2013 and beyond, we can envision a league with national scope again and having regional clusters in each region."

That would indicate there might be several expansion teams added as early as 2013.

As for 2012, O'Sullivan was touting the increased level of talent that each of the five remaining clubs would have after absorbing the numerous top-tier players made free agents by the termination of the magicJack franchise. This contingent includes US international stars such as Hope Solo, Abby Wambach and Megan Rapinoe.

The new CEO took an optimistic and positive tone when considering the league's future prospects. She said the existing five franchises have committed owners who can be counted on to stay in the game. She also stated the league is evaluating its existing structure and is considering the MLS model, as well as some type of hybrid between franchises and single entity.

WNY Flash owner Joe Sahlen's business plan of running team business through his meat company has proven an effective strategy and allows for the team to have increased cash flow and resources available without having to fully fund them for club operations.

In regards to the WNY Flash, the question of Rochester native Wambach coming to play for the home team was raised, but that, along with any other questions related to free agent signings, will have to remain open for the time being. The league is in a silent period which ends in two days with the opening of free agent signing.

Along with discussion of bringing Wambach to Western New York, there is curiosity concerning the future of five-time FIFA woman footballer of the year, Brazil's Marta.

"Marta played for three teams in three years with the league," Sahlen said. "She probably won't be open to discussing a contract until January, but we'd like to think she'd like to return here for the continuity it would provide."

Coach Lines added that he had "a very emotional exit interview" with Marta, and he is certain she enjoyed her time with the Flash and living in Western New York.

The Flash have nine of last year's players under contract, including Brittany Bock, Alex Morgan, McCall Zerboni, Becky Edwards and Ali Riley. Caroline Seger, the Swedish international who played a pivotal role in last season's success, recently announced she is returning to Sweden and will not play in WPS.

Other than that, it is possible that the Flash could look much like last year's squad. Despite their championship, however, Coach Lines says he's looking to strengthen some weaker positions through free agency and the college draft.

It remains clear that the Flash will use Sahlen's stadium in Rochester as their regular season venue. The possibility of playing an exhibition game in Buffalo, as well as plans to play preseason exhibitions in the Sahlen's Sports Park (indoor full-size soccer pitch), as was done last year, were discussed.

It has already been announced that the University of North Carolina will travel to Buffalo to play the Flash in a preseason match.