By Phil Hecken
Following the failure of the first women’s professional soccer league (WUSA, or “Women’s United Soccer Association”) in 2003, the future of women’s pro soccer in the United States looked bleak. After all, if a league featuring most of the ladies who catapulted USA women’s soccer to the forefront of our collective American minds following their World Cup victory in 1999 (who can ever forget this?), largely due to mismanagement and poor marketing, a new league, “Women’s Professional Soccer” (“WPS”) is back to pick up the mantle where the WUSA failed. Will it survive? Who knows. They begin play later this month and there will be teams from seven geographic locations (which I say because there are teams from “New Jersey/New York” and the “Bay Area”), specifically: Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York, St. Louis and Washington, D.C. in 2009. There are currently plans to expand to 10 teams in 2010, when the league will add Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Dallas.
Couple of things I learned about the league: They’ll be using a cool new ball design. The logo features a silhouette based on none other than Mia Hamm. Also, all the kits and the balls will be made by Puma.
The league, which had gone by the working name “Women’s Soccer, LLC”, announced its name and logo in January 2008. Since that time, teams have been having tryouts and signing “name” players from around the globe. With a little fanfare last month, the league held a “fashion show” during which several of the players were seen wearing what are described as “skorts” (‘skirt/shorts’). This caused a bit of an uproar around the blogosphere, including on Uni Watch, as this was decried as “unprofessional” and other unflattering things. Speculation that this was done solely to attract a male audience was rampant. However, upon further review, and since this was, after all, just a fashion show, it was ascertained that the “skorts” would not be worn during actual game play. A collective sigh of relief was heard around the globe. Each team has it’s own weblink, and all are accessible through women’s pro soccer (dot) com.
Since I know next to nothing about soccer, I’m not prepared to comment upon the success or failure of the previous incarnation of women’s pro soccer, nor do I wish to speculate on the future of the new league. I do know i watched with rapt attention the 1999 World Cup and thought the final against China was one of the greatest sporting events I ever had the pleasure of watching (at least on TV). It was one of those sporting events where I will remember the exact setting, location and time I saw it. While I doubt this new league can ever match that one, single event for pure excitement and historic proportions, I would hope the WPS is successful in this go-around. So, without further ado, lets have a look-see at what the ladies will be wearing, uniform-wise, in their inaugural season.
Bay Area FC Gold Pride: The Gold Pride will wear black and gold uniforms, with the black kit (I believe) serving as the home. The gold top will serve as an away jersey, and black pants (not skorts) will be worn with both. As with all these uniforms, I am not certain what, if any, advertising will appear on them, nor do I wish to speculate if there will be any at this time (although, it being soccer, it’s hard to imagine there not being any).
Boston Breakers: Unlike the defunct USFL team of the same name, these Boston Breakers hope to last more than one season. I don’t believe the jersey I just linked to (also see here) will actually be what the team trots out, nor will this one (yes, that’s Steve Nash, who will play a role in the new league), although both uniforms were, I believe, originally considered. Instead, the Breakers will sport white and blue kits, the ones seen in the fashion show. (Those original light blue kits were probably just props for the 2008 announcement of the first signees.)
Chicago Red Stars: Of all the jerseys, these are probably my favorite. The away kit features a white jersey, with 4 red stars, and the home jersey is light blue, also with four stars. Both tops have the team crest just below the left shoulder. Unlike some of the other teams, the home and away kits will have different color shorts. Not sure if the cleats will remain black with the away whites and white with the home blues.
Los Angeles Sol: The LA Sol will also feature home and away uniforms with separate shorts for each. Socks on each kit will also match the uniform’s color. Home will be dark blue and white will be away, and both have gold stripes on the shoulders, plus the “soul patch” (lol) on the upper left portion of the shirt. In a development leading me to believe advertising will adorn all WPS uniforms, I found this shot of star player Marta with Kobe, showing the “Amway” logo. I’m guessing, of course, but I’d be willing to bet all the jerseys will have something like this on them when the league begins play shortly.
New Jersey/New York Sky Blue FC: OK, I’m not in love with the name (’tis quite the mouthful, no?), but i do very much like the aptly named Sky Blue uniforms. The kits will be sky blue for home and orange for away, and (although they can’t be seen in) white socks with both, and white shoulder stripes. I also like the boots that will likely be worn with the unis. Although not all merchandise is yet available for all teams, I would expect that most will have something like this available for sale before the first games begin.
St. Louis Athletica: Best logo, IMHO, of them all. It is evocative of Joan of Arc, and interestingly, spells out “Saint” rather than just using the “St.” abbreviation which is common to teams from that city. The lady on the horse, surrounded by two fleur de lis’ and holding a “St. L” flag (to cover all bases) is resplendent in teal green, blue and gray. Mimicing the logo’s colors, the team uniforms will also be teal and gray, with the home uniform comprised of all teal white the away kit will feature a gray top. While I’m not a designer, I’d venture to say the designers spend proportionately more time on the logo than on the uniform itself, but what do I know? Socks will be gray with teal stripes.
Washington Freedom: The final team in the inaugural season of the WPS will be the Washington Freedom. Despite the apparent ‘orangish’ hue to those jerseys, they will indeed be both red and blue, with red socks for the red uniform and blues for the blue. (They’re from Washington, maybe you were expecting purple and teal?) Like all the uniforms for this new league, they are decidedly understated. As appears in the fashion show shoot, the boots will be white. However, we’ll see how they look when the ads appear. The red, blue and white trim are perfect for DC, although it looks like the red kit will have both white and blue thin stripes, and the blue shorts will have a wide swath of white on them.
Well, there you have it. The 2009 Women’s Professional Soccer league. I wish I knew more about the sport and I welcome any of you who have more knowledge of it and the league to please enlighten me (and all of UW) with the details. I’d always like to learn more about this sport. If you’d like to work with me on a future column on soccer, gimme a shout.
So, what do you all think of the unis? Anyone with more info on the possible adverts? The floor is yours.
This and That: I’ll probably have a post on the World Baseball Classic tomorrow, but the New York Times has an interesting take on the Australian team … The New Mexico Women’s Lobos will be auctioning off their Pink Zone unis to benefit breast cancer research and the Kay Yow Foundation … Ken Rosenthal opines that if you’re going to use PED’s, maybe you should learn how to do them properly … Sports Illustrated had a nice little piece earlier this week (carrying an AP Wire story) on the Cuban Baseball “amateurs” and how they view MLBers … Not used to seeing Garrett Anderson in anything but a Los Angeles California Anaheim Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim uniform? Neither are these guys, who think he looks pretty sharp in a Bravos uni … Are you concerned about J-Roll’s health? You shouldn’t be, at least not according to Rollins himself … Sad news in the world of puck, as Mrs. Hockey has passed on … Who knew? Apparently having too many home furnishing stores in your city is a sign of being “unmanly” … Here’s an odd set of convergences: Dubai gets fined $300,000 by the WTA (World Tennis Association) for not allowing Shahar Peer, a female Israeli tennis player a visa, yet they have granted a visa to male Israeli tennis player Andy Ram … The NCAA has put Florida State University on four years probation for major violations including academic fraud involving 61 student-athletes across 10 sports — who knew they had 61 “student-athletes”? … Serena Williams has joined the chorus of top tennis players who believe new anti-doping measures on athletes are “too strong” — a claim Serena’s opponents often level against her … the Cleveland Cavs threw-back again last night — do the ever wear their standard unis? … uh oh, Yankee fans — CC winces — 7 years, $161 million sighs emanate from Yankee camp … I’d love to see this in Whaler green next season … This may have been reported already, but the Phillies will don gold-trimmed jerseys on opening night … and finally, this comes from Teebz (don’t ask me why he’s reading Glamour magazine) — present day actresses recreating famous American icons — the last of which ties a nice bow on this soccer post, eh?
Don’t Forget To set your clocks an hour ahead tonight — daylight savings time is here!
Like you Phil, soccer has never really been “my thing”, but it’s interesting that the Chicago Red Stars link features a six pointed star (link) as opposed to a traditional 5 pointed star. Anyone know why they went this route?
Phil, they’re my favorite as well.
That Chicago uni’s based on the Chicago city flag or something, isn’t it?
St. Louis’s logo also made me think of this.
link
—Ricko
Nice article, Phil. Have not said it yet, but you do great work.
If you want to know the inspiration for the Chicago unis, here it is. link It is the City of Chicago flag, explains the stars as well.
[quote comment=”317426″]Like you Phil, soccer has never really been “my thing”, but it’s interesting that the Chicago Red Stars link features a six pointed star (link) as opposed to a traditional 5 pointed star. Anyone know why they went this route?
Phil, they’re my favorite as well.[/quote]
It’s to duplicate the stars of the Chicago city flag: link
Staying on the topic of the WPS, you might have noticed thet WPS will not used the pumacrap lowercase letering and dysfunctional numbering systems. Instead they will use standard capital letters and recognizable numbers.
Also, as we all know, Philadelphia’s MLS franchise has a fan group called the link. The women’s team fan spporters will go under the name of the “Daughters of Betsy” after flagmaker Betsy Ross. The name was created by a fan group of Red Bull New York to mock SoB.
I believe the Breakers wore a white helmet in Boston and New Orleans. I think the silver one is from the year in Portland.
Not to spoil anyone’s Saturday, but while watching the WBC early the last two mornings, someting stuck me.
We may not like it, but the FACT is that baseball in the 21st century–at least at the Major League and international level–is a game played in long pants. Some players opt for the old way—shorter pants and even stirrusp—but it truly is, I’m afraid, the old way. Not the “right” way.
Baseball has taken a cue from cricket (in an odd way, that almost has a element of coming full circle about it). It’s a long pants game for the highest level pros now. Youngsters will still play in short pants and colored socks, just cuz is easier than customizing lengths, less dirt and wear on pant bottoms, etc., but the Bigs? Well, I just don’t think there’s any going back.
If we step back and look at what IS as opposed to what we WANT to see…that’s the way things are.
—Ricko
[quote comment=”317427″]That Chicago uni’s based on the Chicago city flag or something, isn’t it?
St. Louis’s logo also made me think of this.
link
—Ricko[/quote]
Came here to say the same thing! Gotta get up pretty early in the morning to beat Ricko. Anyway, here’s some more info on the St. Louis statue. link
Oakland is link than San Diego and Miami? Orlando is the 14th “manliest” city?
WTF?
Glamour magazine: link!
Two key mistakes here with the WPS: Too many teams in light blue, and too many teams named after defunct WNBA ventures.
[quote comment=”317429″][quote comment=”317426″]Like you Phil, soccer has never really been “my thing”, but it’s interesting that the Chicago Red Stars link features a six pointed star (link) as opposed to a traditional 5 pointed star. Anyone know why they went this route?
Phil, they’re my favorite as well.[/quote]
It’s to duplicate the stars of the Chicago city flag: link
Yeah, they got the stars right on the link, but the stars across the link do look more like Stars of David than the “Marian stars” on the flag.
It’s mentioned in that Wikipedia article, but not only does each star symbolize an event in the city’s history, every point of each individual star is supposed to symbolize something different as well.
Thanks to all who answered the question about the Chicago uniform stars.
So, now the question is “Why does the Chicago city flag have 6 pointed stars?”.
Know what I love about that WPS logo?
Is she coming toward us, about to the kick with her right foot?
Or moving away from us, about to kick with her left?
Answer? Probably either. Depends on how long you stare at it.
—Ricko
[quote comment=”317432″]Not to spoil anyone’s Saturday, but while watching the WBC early the last two mornings, someting stuck me.
We may not like it, but the FACT is that baseball in the 21st century–at least at the Major League and international level–is a game played in long pants. Some players opt for the old way—shorter pants and even stirrusp—but it truly is, I’m afraid, the old way. Not the “right” way.
Baseball has taken a cue from cricket (in an odd way, that almost has a element of coming full circle about it). It’s a long pants game for the highest level pros now. Youngsters will still play in short pants and colored socks, just cuz is easier than customizing lengths, less dirt and wear on pant bottoms, etc., but the Bigs? Well, I just don’t think there’s any going back.
If we step back and look at what IS as opposed to what we WANT to see…that’s the way things are.
—Ricko[/quote]
There goes my weekend.
[quote comment=”317429″][quote comment=”317426″]Like you Phil, soccer has never really been “my thing”, but it’s interesting that the Chicago Red Stars link features a six pointed star (link) as opposed to a traditional 5 pointed star. Anyone know why they went this route?
Phil, they’re my favorite as well.[/quote]
It’s to duplicate the stars of the Chicago city flag: link
It’s also likely paying tribute to the third jersey worn by the Chicago Fire a few years ago.
Hey, more coffee, I can’t HTML yet.
link.
Upon further review, the Breakers always had white helmets. Doesn’t it look silver in that image?
[quote comment=”317441″]Hey, more coffee, I can’t HTML yet.
link.[/quote]
That was also made by Puma, right?
[quote comment=”317443″][quote comment=”317441″]Hey, more coffee, I can’t HTML yet.
link.[/quote]
That was also made by Puma, right?[/quote]
Uh, nevermind. If I had actually looked at the picture for more than one second before posting that…
[quote comment=”317440″][quote comment=”317429″][quote comment=”317426″]Like you Phil, soccer has never really been “my thing”, but it’s interesting that the Chicago Red Stars link features a six pointed star (link) as opposed to a traditional 5 pointed star. Anyone know why they went this route?
Phil, they’re my favorite as well.[/quote]
It’s to duplicate the stars of the Chicago city flag: link
It’s also likely paying tribute to the third jersey worn by the Chicago Fire a few years ago.[/quote]
And you also wouldn’t want to draw any more comparisons to link.
Leave that sort of thing to Sean Hannity ;-)
[quote comment=”317442″]Upon further review, the Breakers always had white helmets. Doesn’t it look silver in that image?[/quote]
that comes from mghelmets.com, a pretty cool helmet reference site, but he seems to make all the helmets metallic and often the whites look gray/silver…
link on Chicago’s flag. link Had no idea the stars were called Marian stars. And if they do add a 5th star for the 2016 Olympics, what will those points stand for? We could have fun with that.
And while I’m at it, link the WUSA edition. Have to admit the WPS one looks better, or at least more clean.
I’m ONLY saying this because it’s UniWatch and we’re all minorly (ok, majorly) obsessed with the little things… sooo.
No “s” in Daylight Savings time!
[quote comment=”317443″][quote comment=”317441″]Hey, more coffee, I can’t HTML yet.
link.[/quote]
That was also made by Puma, right?[/quote]
Back in the day when teams weren’t restricted to Adidas, yeah.
[quote comment=”317448″]No “s” in Daylight Savings time![/quote]
well, shit
i learned something new today, which is good, becuase you could fill a stadium with things i don’t know — an i’m talking like one of those brazillian 200K seat soccer stadia, not some little rinky-dink PNC park-sized stadium
i’ll try to remember that one mnemonically — daylight saving — “leave off the last ‘s’ for saving”
[quote comment=”317435″]Two key mistakes here with the WPS: Too many teams in light blue, and too many teams named after defunct WNBA ventures.[/quote]
There’s only one – the Sol (was in Miami). I agree on there being too many blue teams. Clash kits in the future, perhaps?
[quote comment=”317450″][quote comment=”317448″]No “s” in Daylight Savings time![/quote]
well, shit
i learned something new today, which is good, becuase you could fill a stadium with things i don’t know — an i’m talking like one of those brazillian 200K seat soccer stadia, not some little rinky-dink PNC park-sized stadium
i’ll try to remember that one mnemonically — daylight saving — “leave off the last ‘s’ for saving”[/quote]It’s been beaten into me after working 5 years at a local news station. Believe me, I have learned little else.
[quote comment=”317450″]
i’ll try to remember that one mnemonically — daylight saving — “leave off the last ‘s’ for saving”[/quote]
Just like the original dial-a-mattress.
That “BHD” patch on La Republica Dominicana’s WBC jerseys is for Banco BHD, a MLB sponsor in that ountry. I could not make out what Taipei’s sponsor was, but they gone. Also, Mizuno is outfitting Japan and Taipei, Korea is being outfitted by Nike while China has an unknown uni sponsor (Zett?). And adidas is outfitting Cuba (or was the the Cubs?)
[quote comment=”317432″]Not to spoil anyone’s Saturday, but while watching the WBC early the last two mornings, someting stuck me.
We may not like it, but the FACT is that baseball in the 21st century–at least at the Major League and international level–is a game played in long pants. Some players opt for the old way—shorter pants and even stirrusp—but it truly is, I’m afraid, the old way. Not the “right” way.
Baseball has taken a cue from cricket (in an odd way, that almost has a element of coming full circle about it). It’s a long pants game for the highest level pros now. Youngsters will still play in short pants and colored socks, just cuz is easier than customizing lengths, less dirt and wear on pant bottoms, etc., but the Bigs? Well, I just don’t think there’s any going back.
If we step back and look at what IS as opposed to what we WANT to see…that’s the way things are.
—Ricko[/quote]
WOW, I never thought I would read such wisdom on this board, especially from the chosen one himself, but Ricko is indeed correct.
Stirrups suck!
[quote comment=”317445″]“You also wouldn’t want to draw any more comparisons to communism.
“Leave that sort of thing to
Sean Hannityall the right wing whacko looney toon fringe nuts.”[/quote]It’s not just Inanity, but Michael Weinersavage and Glenn Beck. Enough politics for the weekend, back to the uniforms discussion.
Noticed the umpires in the Asian pool of the WBC and the Puerto Rican pool of the WBC are wearing different style shirts. The Asian pool umpires were wearing the traditional MLB black shirts with white striping on the collar and sleeves and button up plackets. The Puerto Rican umpires (at least Larry Vanover at home plate) are wearing a black short sleeved zip-up pullover with no white stripes on the collar or sleeves. Luckily, none of the shirts are missing the Majestic logo on the left sleeve.
The University of Minnesota Duluth Men’s Hockey team wore new alternative jerseys:
link
Instead of wearing their usual home whites they were these cool gold uniforms. I especially like the maroon and white horizontal stripes across the uniforms. The spelled out BULLDOGS is also a nice touch. Very cool~!
Since we’re on the topic of soccer, the incredible website link just keeps on getting better.
they recently added an MLS kit gallery for 2009, as well as a historical gallery of the Northern Ireland.
Dave & Matt Moor (a father/son combo, I believe) are the owners of the site and I think they would be perfect candidates for a weekend topic.
If you call yourself a soccer head and don’t check this site out frequently, shame!!
The Cleveland Cavs threw-back again last night – do they ever wear their standard unis?
Maybe they’ve realized the throwbacks just look better.
Exactly – one is too many.
Can we start calling them Red Star Chicago now?
As the MLS has moved towards more Eurocentric names (Yes, I’m looking at you Real Salt Lake. Who are the royalty of Utah?) I’d expect something similar from the WPS.
Of course link didn’t use a Marian star.
you say red star. i think red china or soviet union. yes, i’m old.
[quote comment=\”317447\”]Here\’s one reference on Chicago\’s flag. Here\’s Wikipedia\’s take. Had no idea the stars were called Marian stars. And if they do add a 5th star for the 2016 Olympics, what will those points stand for? We could have fun with that.
[/quote]
link
[quote comment=”317437″]Thanks to all who answered the question about the Chicago uniform stars.
So, now the question is “Why does the Chicago city flag have 6 pointed stars?”.[/quote]
Six pointed stars make you uncomfortable? lol!
There appears to be no true reason for a six pointed star. It would take too long to type out the significance of each point on the star so read this…
.link
One more time
link
Judging by the TERRIBLY uninspired uniform designs of the WPS, it appears they expect to last long. “Why waste time, money and effort if we’re not sure how long we’ll last?”
Best logos being St. Louis and Chicago. Best uniform being Chicago. Which is much better than the old Chicago Fire third jersey.
[quote comment=”317437″]So, now the question is “Why does the Chicago city flag have 6 pointed stars?”.[/quote]Listen, you gotz a problem wit dat? My brudder-in-law has a piece o da company dat makez dem six pinted starz. Them six pinted starz are freakin GOLDEN!! You ain’t gettin dem starz for nuttin!
We had to learn all about the symbolism of the flag long ago, along with the Illinois state flag. About all I retained was the four stars and the two water stripes-later on I found out the “y” symbol for Chicago which also represents the river splitting into two branches.
Phil– i’m not sure about the WPS, but most soccer leagues don’t mandate the color of shoes for a team. some players have contracts w/ companies, just like the nba, so i’m thinking they’ll be wearing those cleats instead of pumas. i’m thinking puma made some specialty cleats just for the fashion shoe for each team.
[quote comment=”317463″]you say red star. i think red china or soviet union. yes, i’m old.[/quote]
Didn’t keep Macy’s from using a big red star, though. Makes you wonder how much homework these designers/marketers do.
[quote comment=”317471″][quote comment=”317463″]you say red star. i think red china or soviet union. yes, i’m old.[/quote]
Didn’t keep Macy’s from using a big red star, though. Makes you wonder how much homework these designers/marketers do.[/quote]
Did Communism exist 150 years ago? That’s when Macy’s opened.
Having helped launch the Carolina Courage of the WUSA (which won the championship in year two), I can attest to the “suspect” management of the league.
A) For the most part, there was significant talent running the business operations — they lined up Time Warner Cable, Kia, plus some other major sponsors. The Courage sold out 6,000 a game, basically.
B) The PROBLEM was that they constantly hired soccer “fans” in roles such as public relations, sales and marketing, sponsorship, etc. For a sport that has continuously failed miserably in the U.S. at the pro level (maybe MLS is an exception … maybe), they needed to hire TALENT. Somebody who’s made pro sports a success, whatever the sport. Instead, they employed too many soccer buffs, who had never really tasted true growth/success at the professional management level. My two cents.
I think women’s pro soccer can be huge. Bigger than men’s for sure. Possibly bigger than hockey. One visit to the games, with all the little kids (boys and girls), soccer moms, etc., and how energetic they are about the product … tells me there’s something there, there.
I’d glam it up just a wee bit … more fashiony, possibly the skort idea, make everything colorful, tie it into Secret deodorant (“because you’re hot), Vicky’s Secret, yoga, Mini Cooper’s, Oprah, and everything else that women love … that’s the way to do it. (Not the WNBA’s version of “tough gals,” we’re-just-as-good-as-guys mentality.) Women are pretty/hot/strong/smart/crafty all at the same time … they don’t have to choose just one. If they lose the “pretty” or “hot” parts, they’ll lose part of their core brand.
[quote comment=”317472″][quote comment=”317471″][quote comment=”317463″]you say red star. i think red china or soviet union. yes, i’m old.[/quote]
Didn’t keep Macy’s from using a big red star, though. Makes you wonder how much homework these designers/marketers do.[/quote]
Did Communism exist 150 years ago? That’s when Macy’s opened.[/quote]
How long has Macy’s been using the star? Hey, I could have it screwed up. Macy’s only been in this market a few years, and I don’t remember the red star when they first got here. Maybe just didn’t intro it here right away.
So, it looks like Russel Martin will be wearing J. Martin all year in honor of his mother according to the ESPN announcers at the WBC (his mother’s maiden name is Jeanson). Has any other player in the big four ever been allowed to do this?
Watching the World Baseball Classic game between USA and Canada. It looks like Russell Martin’s NOB says, “J. Martin.” Does anyone have any idea why? Maybe I’m seeing it wrong?
Thanks Dustin. Should have refreshed before posting, I guess.
jackie robinson’s pitching for the US of A?
/nice job of ‘retiring’ that number, usa baseball
[quote comment=”317473″]Having helped launch the Carolina Courage of the WUSA (which won the championship in year two), I can attest to the “suspect” management of the league.
A) For the most part, there was significant talent running the business operations — they lined up Time Warner Cable, Kia, plus some other major sponsors. The Courage sold out 6,000 a game, basically.
B) The PROBLEM was that they constantly hired soccer “fans” in roles such as public relations, sales and marketing, sponsorship, etc. For a sport that has continuously failed miserably in the U.S. at the pro level (maybe MLS is an exception … maybe), they needed to hire TALENT. Somebody who’s made pro sports a success, whatever the sport. Instead, they employed too many soccer buffs, who had never really tasted true growth/success at the professional management level. My two cents.
I think women’s pro soccer can be huge. Bigger than men’s for sure. Possibly bigger than hockey. One visit to the games, with all the little kids (boys and girls), soccer moms, etc., and how energetic they are about the product … tells me there’s something there, there.
I’d glam it up just a wee bit … more fashiony, possibly the skort idea, make everything colorful, tie it into Secret deodorant (“because you’re hot), Vicky’s Secret, yoga, Mini Cooper’s, Oprah, and everything else that women love … that’s the way to do it. (Not the WNBA’s version of “tough gals,” we’re-just-as-good-as-guys mentality.) Women are pretty/hot/strong/smart/crafty all at the same time … they don’t have to choose just one. If they lose the “pretty” or “hot” parts, they’ll lose part of their core brand.[/quote]
Very astute assessment of how that league needs to market themselves to succeed.
Your mention of hiring the best person for the job, not just a soccer (or other sport) buff, reminds of what the Tampa Bay Rays did. Their top three execs all came from the financial world, and used their business experience to find a team that had young parts ready to rapidly grow and succeed. Baseball insiders might not have gambled as much, but these outsiders did and have a solid team ready to keep succeeding.
All of these sports/leagues are businesses, and using that off-the-field knowledge is critical for them to grow and succeed.
Except for their six points, the Chicago Red Stars
stars are far from resembling the “magen David”
[“shield of David”], as in the Israeli flag.
[quote comment=”317478″]jackie robinson’s pitching for the US of A?
/nice job of ‘retiring’ that number, usa baseball[/quote]
I thought it was just Major League Baseball who retired 42.
[quote comment=”317481″][quote comment=”317478″]jackie robinson’s pitching for the US of A?
/nice job of ‘retiring’ that number, usa baseball[/quote]
I thought it was just Major League Baseball who retired 42.[/quote]
unfortunately
[quote comment=”317484″][quote comment=”317481″][quote comment=”317478″]jackie robinson’s pitching for the US of A?
/nice job of ‘retiring’ that number, usa baseball[/quote]
I thought it was just Major League Baseball who retired 42.[/quote]
unfortunately[/quote]
If Jackie had actually played for a USA national team I’d agree.
I immediatley thought Red Star Belgrade, and the Sky Blue jerseys remind me of the collard netherlands kit the mens team wore in the last world cup, those orange home shirts and power blue kits.
I LOVE THIS GAME
[quote comment=”317485″]If Jackie had actually played for a USA national team I’d agree.[/quote]That somewhat parallels my thought on the MLB-wide retirement of 42.
If another team would have had the courage to bring up the first black ballplayer in ages, they would have. They didn’t; but Branch Rickey and the Dodgers did. By putting it on flags and signs everywhere, I think it gives more credit to the other franchises than they deserve.
I know there’s other ways to look at the situation, but that was my first take when I heard about it-I haven’t changed my mind so far.
I’m on the fence about the issue: as far as I know the number was retired for his on-the-field stats by the Dodgers, but I’m not sure of the best way to recognize what he and the Dodgers did by bringing him up.
I think women’s pro soccer can be huge. Bigger than men’s for sure. Possibly bigger than hockey. One visit to the games, with all the little kids (boys and girls), soccer moms, etc., and how energetic they are about the product … tells me there’s something there, there.
No nothing there. Never was. Never will be. Bad knock-off of a lot of the WNBA…
[quote comment=”317490″]I think women’s pro soccer can be huge. Bigger than men’s for sure. Possibly bigger than hockey. One visit to the games, with all the little kids (boys and girls), soccer moms, etc., and how energetic they are about the product … tells me there’s something there, there.
No nothing there. Never was. Never will be. Bad knock-off of a lot of the WNBA…[/quote]
Bigger than hockey? Wow.
Now women’s soccer – in a league that hasn’t played ONE GAME YET – is already being touted as having better potential and fan following than one of the “Big Four”.
The rationale of this theory will be astounding.
[quote comment=”317491″][quote comment=”317490″]I think women’s pro soccer can be huge. Bigger than men’s for sure. Possibly bigger than hockey. One visit to the games, with all the little kids (boys and girls), soccer moms, etc., and how energetic they are about the product … tells me there’s something there, there.
No nothing there. Never was. Never will be. Bad knock-off of a lot of the WNBA…[/quote]
Bigger than hockey? Wow.
Now women’s soccer – in a league that hasn’t played ONE GAME YET – is already being touted as having better potential and fan following than one of the “Big Four”.
The rationale of this theory will be astounding.[/quote]
Yeah, I’d say that statement is a bit optimistic, but I do think that a well-run woman’s soccer league has a chance.
[quote]If Jackie had actually played for a USA national team I’d agree.[/quote]
while i agree with that assessment (i mean, seriously should any numbers be ‘retired’ by team USA?)…however…
i understand hawkins’ desire to honor JR (as well as clemente by wearing ’21’), and think it’s great, but there’s something, i donno, almost sacred about ’42’ now that MLB has retired it league-wide…since only those ‘grandfathered’ in (like mo rivera) can still wear it (and hawkins can’t), it just feels wrong for him (or anyone, but especially him) to be donning it…i can’t really explain why, i just feel that way
the bigger question, i guess, is how in the hell did hawkins actually make team usa, making his wearing of 42 an actual issue
[quote comment=”317470″]Phil– i’m not sure about the WPS, but most soccer leagues don’t mandate the color of shoes for a team. some players have contracts w/ companies, just like the nba, so i’m thinking they’ll be wearing those cleats instead of pumas. i’m thinking puma made some specialty cleats just for the fashion shoe for each team.[/quote]
Correct Dan.
The closest to any sort of “legislation” would be the free boots available to the players through Puma’s sponsorship. A good number of players will take puma up on the offer, but there will be some with personal shoe contracts (same as basketball players or equipment deals like hockey players) will stick with their own stuff without penalty.
USA ‘keeper Hope Solo is a Nike girl
link
and appears to be wearing Nikes during the fashion show (Taller, now dark-haired one):
link
[quote comment=”317492″]
Yeah, I’d say that statement is a bit optimistic, but I do think that a well-run woman’s soccer league has a chance.[/quote]
I think it should be given every opportunity to succeed, but soccer in the US has never been on the radar. Heck, soccer in North America has never come close to the popularity of any of the four major leagues.
I’m all for the women doing extremely well, but it will take some significant work in the first five years to fill stadiums.
The only thing that would get a women’s league into the “big 4” would exclude it from UniWatch discussion. But a well-run league in any capacity has potential for great success. I hope all the best for WPS
For the record, the notion of the NHL as part of the “Big 4” is deader than the dinosaurs. The NHL is miles behind poker, NASCAR, college sports, rodeo…
SB
And Puerto Rico showing a Best Buy logo on the unis.
Circuit City was unavailable. [/sarcasm]
I wonder if the “skorts” were originally in the plan for the WPL league and were scrapped after the controversy. I have often seen women runners in skorts while I am out. There even was an article/discussion on them link
[quote comment=”317495″][quote comment=”317492″]
Yeah, I’d say that statement is a bit optimistic, but I do think that a well-run woman’s soccer league has a chance.[/quote]
I think it should be given every opportunity to succeed, but soccer in the US has never been on the radar. Heck, soccer in North America has never come close to the popularity of any of the four major leagues.
I’m all for the women doing extremely well, but it will take some significant work in the first five years to fill stadiums.[/quote]
I know that, you know that, and I’m pretty sure the people involved in the league know that. You don’t market something like this on some big level against the “Big Four”, you market it locally against other things in your market. AF2 football’s not going to compete with MLB on a national level, but the Iowa Barnstormers are very good at marketing themselves against the Iowa Cubs in the Des Moines area.
[quote comment=”317493″][quote]If Jackie had actually played for a USA national team I’d agree.[/quote]
while i agree with that assessment (i mean, seriously should any numbers be ‘retired’ by team USA?)…however…
i understand hawkins’ desire to honor JR (as well as clemente by wearing ’21’), and think it’s great, but there’s something, i donno, almost sacred about ’42’ now that MLB has retired it league-wide…since only those ‘grandfathered’ in (like mo rivera) can still wear it (and hawkins can’t), it just feels wrong for him (or anyone, but especially him) to be donning it…i can’t really explain why, i just feel that way
the bigger question, i guess, is how in the hell did hawkins actually make team usa, making his wearing of 42 an actual issue[/quote]
I personally wouldn’t mind seeing international baseball adopt some form of uniform numbering system like FIBA, where all players have to wear numbers 1-25.
so what’s up with Garrett Anderson’s earflap?
link
link
The names of the teams aren’t “Bay Area FC Gold Pride” and “New Jersey/New York Sky Blue FC”. The names are “FC Gold Pride” and “Sky Blue FC” without city/region identifiers. The league uses the locations on the website simply to let fans know what area those teams represent (doesn’t do much good to attract fans or sponsors if you don’t know where the team is, right?).
As far as I’m concerned, I don’t mind the practice of using Euro-style club names, but I think our American leagues should lean toward American naming conventions – the end result should be a good mix. FC Gold Pride is one of the better names out there, unlike the dull and boring “Toronto FC” and “FC Dallas”. Or, team names like Seattle Sounders FC combine both worlds for an acceptable name.
Also, out of curiosity, if you know that Athletica spells out “Saint Louis” as part of the team name, then why did you abbreviate it in that section heading?
Regarding ads on team uniforms, I wouldn’t place bets that all seven teams will have jersey sponsors. I suspect it will be like MLS where each team has to go out and find their own sponsor, and not every team may be able to find one – even MLS still has some teams without sponsors. That said, if all seven teams find sponsors, I would not be shocked – just one more way for the league to find some income to stay alive (which I hope they do).
Go Breakers!
I think the problem with soccer/football in America is that these days if you want to follow a top team in Europe, you can. During the NASL days, we got maybe the English first division scores in the back of sports section.
Now with cable and the interwebs, MLS and the lower US divisions are competing against established leagues with all their history as well as the other professional sports that dominate the media.
You could make the argument that there is less direct competition for women’s soccer, but do young women who grow up playing soccer want to specifically want to watch women’s soccer?
Ob-Uni: Are those Japanese WBC jerseys made out of some weird material? Their blue jerseys looked kinda weird.
Memphis has some grey jerseys vs. Tulane. Tulane has their normal green and Memphis is really a dark grey. The jerseys might be nice, I don’t know (haven’t seen up close), but dark grey vs. green is a bit odd.
It looks like the jerseys are a regular grey on the front of the jersey and shorts, then a darker grey on the backs. Am I the only one seeing this?
[quote comment=”317502″]
As far as I’m concerned, I don’t mind the practice of using Euro-style club names, but I think our American leagues should lean toward American naming conventions – the end result should be a good mix. FC Gold Pride is one of the better names out there, unlike the dull and boring “Toronto FC” and “FC Dallas”. Or, team names like Seattle Sounders FC combine both worlds for an acceptable name.
Go Breakers![/quote]
While I’m not a big fan of the faux Euro names, I like FC Dallas more than I like the Dallas Burn. In their initial attempt to come up with unique names, MLS wound up with some names I just hated.
But then I also hate using traditional Euro names like United or Real because they have been stripped of their original meaning when they’re used with MLS teams. Even FC doesn’t make sense if you’re playing in a league with Soccer in its name.
[quote]if you know that Athletica spells out “Saint Louis” as part of the team name, then why did you abbreviate it in that section heading?[/quote]
that’s how i roll?
no…i started with link (and as far as i can glean, the WPS abbreviates the team from missouri with “St.” and not spelled out throughout their electronic & printed material), and just used it … i figure if St. Louis is good enough for the link (see “teams” at the bottom), and even the link on the athletica weblink, well, then it’s good enough for me
[quote comment=”317503″]
You could make the argument that there is less direct competition for women’s soccer, but do young women who grow up playing soccer want to specifically want to watch women’s soccer?[/quote]
Probably, since girls playing basketball in this country grow up wanting to watch womens basketball.
[quote comment=”317496″]The only thing that would get a women’s league into the “big 4” would exclude it from UniWatch discussion. But a well-run league in any capacity has potential for great success. I hope all the best for WPS
For the record, the notion of the NHL as part of the “Big 4” is deader than the dinosaurs. The NHL is miles behind poker, NASCAR, college sports, rodeo…
SB[/quote]
The next time you see 17000 people at a PokerStars.net tournament, call me. Seriously.
It is still, and always will be, one of the four professional major league sports in North America. And since the NHL attendance is better than the NBA’s attendance right now, I suggest you take your issue up with the NBA.
They have bigger problems than the NHL. Much bigger problems.
[quote comment=”317509″][quote comment=”317496″]The only thing that would get a women’s league into the “big 4” would exclude it from UniWatch discussion. But a well-run league in any capacity has potential for great success. I hope all the best for WPS
For the record, the notion of the NHL as part of the “Big 4” is deader than the dinosaurs. The NHL is miles behind poker, NASCAR, college sports, rodeo…
SB[/quote]
The next time you see 17000 people at a PokerStars.net tournament, call me. Seriously.
It is still, and always will be, one of the four professional major league sports in North America. And since the NHL attendance is better than the NBA’s attendance right now, I suggest you take your issue up with the NBA.
They have bigger problems than the NHL. Much bigger problems.[/quote]
Poker blows the doors off hockey on TV. Basketball blows the doors off hockey on TV. TV deals are the primary revenue stream for all but one of the aforementioned sports. Is the NHL still paying to be on TV in the states?
SB
[quote comment=”317505″]It looks like the jerseys are a regular grey on the front of the jersey and shorts, then a darker grey on the backs. Am I the only one seeing this?[/quote]
Didn’t Memphis have gray basketball jerseys in the mid 1980s? These don’t look like throwbacks, though.
Keeping with the soccer theme:
Coventry’s Best goes masked against Chelsea in FA Cup action today…link
[quote comment=”317476″]Watching the World Baseball Classic game between USA and Canada. It looks like Russell Martin’s NOB says, “J. Martin.” Does anyone have any idea why? Maybe I’m seeing it wrong?[/quote]
According to the announcers it is a tribute to his mother and that he planned to wear it all year. They did not say why he was recognizing his mother this year.
[quote comment=”317510″][quote comment=”317509″][quote comment=”317496″]The only thing that would get a women’s league into the “big 4” would exclude it from UniWatch discussion. But a well-run league in any capacity has potential for great success. I hope all the best for WPS
For the record, the notion of the NHL as part of the “Big 4” is deader than the dinosaurs. The NHL is miles behind poker, NASCAR, college sports, rodeo…
SB[/quote]
The next time you see 17000 people at a PokerStars.net tournament, call me. Seriously.
It is still, and always will be, one of the four professional major league sports in North America. And since the NHL attendance is better than the NBA’s attendance right now, I suggest you take your issue up with the NBA.
They have bigger problems than the NHL. Much bigger problems.[/quote]
Poker blows the doors off hockey on TV. Basketball blows the doors off hockey on TV. TV deals are the primary revenue stream for all but one of the aforementioned sports. Is the NHL still paying to be on TV in the states?
SB[/quote]
If no one shows up to games, franchises fold. It doesn’t matter how many TV deals you have. Oh, and the NBA’s deal didn’t save the Sonics or the Grizzlies from moving.
For NBA examples, see: Supersonics, Seattle; Grizzlies, Vancouver; Kings, Kansas City.
With hockey not having a TV deal in the US, it says one helluva lot about the league as entertainment to OUTDRAW the NBA.
[quote comment=”317510″][quote comment=”317509″][quote comment=”317496″]The only thing that would get a women’s league into the “big 4” would exclude it from UniWatch discussion. But a well-run league in any capacity has potential for great success. I hope all the best for WPS
For the record, the notion of the NHL as part of the “Big 4” is deader than the dinosaurs. The NHL is miles behind poker, NASCAR, college sports, rodeo…
SB[/quote]
The next time you see 17000 people at a PokerStars.net tournament, call me. Seriously.
It is still, and always will be, one of the four professional major league sports in North America. And since the NHL attendance is better than the NBA’s attendance right now, I suggest you take your issue up with the NBA.
They have bigger problems than the NHL. Much bigger problems.[/quote]
Poker blows the doors off hockey on TV. Basketball blows the doors off hockey on TV. TV deals are the primary revenue stream for all but one of the aforementioned sports. Is the NHL still paying to be on TV in the states?
SB[/quote]
While there is no doubt hockey is the 4th league in the US – of the professional team sports – I once remember hearing Mark Cuban say (when I think he was giving thought to buying the Pgh Penguins) = that the distance in terms of overall revenue between basketball and hockey is not as great as one might expect.
What I remember of the reasons he gave
1. Hockey has higher gate receipts because they charge far more on average per ticket than the NBA.
2. A lot of the local television packages are every bit as lucrative as local basketball packages
3. Hockey demographics tend to be better – more wealthy – which makes it quite an attractive product for sponsorship.
4. The fact that hockey is so big in Canada (essentially the equivalent of the NFL in the USA)- also helps the league economics
There is no doubt that the national television contracts is a huge difference – but all of the above tends to chip away at that – definitely not all the way – but….. and at the end of the day it’s just a far better sport.
[quote comment=”317510″]
Poker blows the doors off hockey on TV. Basketball blows the doors off hockey on TV. TV deals are the primary revenue stream for all but one of the aforementioned sports. Is the NHL still paying to be on TV in the states?
SB[/quote]
And since “poker” is such a primetime “sport”, I’m sure they appreciate being on TV at times when all of 15 people tune in specifically to watch it.
Call me when any station has “Poker Hour with S. Bennett” on at 8pm local time. I’ll be sure to tune into th… ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.
Poker is a sport? I guess anyone in a casino is an athlete.
100% unrelated to anything in the ticker today, but where can I find Liberty Bell stirrups to buy, the kind Jamie Moyer has. I’ve looked for an hour now.
Looks like Toronto will be getting a healthy dose of Terrell Owens next season. He reportedly signed with the Bills, saying he’s moving from “America’s team to North America’s team”.
And a healthy pay cut too – 1 yr, $6.5 million.
[quote comment=”317518″]Looks like Toronto will be getting a healthy dose of Terrell Owens next season. He reportedly signed with the Bills, saying he’s moving from “America’s team to North America’s team”.
And a healthy pay cut too – 1 yr, $6.5 million.[/quote]
But that’s, like, 2 trillion Canadian.
[quote comment=”317519″][quote comment=”317518″]Looks like Toronto will be getting a healthy dose of Terrell Owens next season. He reportedly signed with the Bills, saying he’s moving from “America’s team to North America’s team”.
And a healthy pay cut too – 1 yr, $6.5 million.[/quote]
But that’s, like, 2 trillion Canadian.[/quote]
I’m not really sure where the anti-Canda sentiment is coming from today…between the “poker is better than hockey” and now we’re going to rag on Canadian currency??? SERIOUSLY!??!?! Have you SEEN the news on our country’s economic state lately?
[quote comment=”317520″][quote comment=”317519″][quote comment=”317518″]Looks like Toronto will be getting a healthy dose of Terrell Owens next season. He reportedly signed with the Bills, saying he’s moving from “America’s team to North America’s team”.
And a healthy pay cut too – 1 yr, $6.5 million.[/quote]
But that’s, like, 2 trillion Canadian.[/quote]
I’m not really sure where the anti-Canda sentiment is coming from today…between the “poker is better than hockey” and now we’re going to rag on Canadian currency??? SERIOUSLY!??!?! Have you SEEN the news on our country’s economic state lately?[/quote]
It’s called a joke, most Canadians get it. And I happen to like hockey, and curling for that matter.
[quote comment=”317521″][quote comment=”317520″][quote comment=”317519″][quote comment=”317518″]Looks like Toronto will be getting a healthy dose of Terrell Owens next season. He reportedly signed with the Bills, saying he’s moving from “America’s team to North America’s team”.
And a healthy pay cut too – 1 yr, $6.5 million.[/quote]
But that’s, like, 2 trillion Canadian.[/quote]
I’m not really sure where the anti-Canda sentiment is coming from today…between the “poker is better than hockey” and now we’re going to rag on Canadian currency??? SERIOUSLY!??!?! Have you SEEN the news on our country’s economic state lately?[/quote]
It’s called a joke, most Canadians get it. And I happen to like hockey, and curling for that matter.[/quote]
Growing up an hour from the Canadian border, it was a rite of passage to make fun of the disparity in dollar value upon a regular outing to the Canadian casinos. I figured you were simply piling on. Didn’t pick up the sarcasm….my bad
WBC sponsor patch update: A Canadian auto parts company sponsors the Italian team, while some Venezulean company with a stylized eagle in the national colors sponsors their team.
[quote comment=”317521″]“It’s called a joke, most Canadians get it.(tm)”[/quote]
Steve-O forgot to add the necessary “TM”. The words “Get it”(tm) as a trademark are owned by UniWatch Industries Worldwide LLC INC LTD LP Member FDIC, eh?
Geez, Teebz, you cabbage on to ONE thing I mentioned in my post about women’s soccer and blow it out of proportion.
My point wasn’t that THIS soccer league is going to be more popular that hockey. My point was that SOME women’s soccer league, done right, could be hugely popular … more popular that hockey, that’s for sure. Think of the available target audience ready for the possibility … give it 25 years of being well-run … and it will be huge.
Simply, more people play soccer. Girls don’t have a great pro league. Combine the two and do it right = opportunity. WPS sees that, WUSA saw that. They just didn’t have the stability to hang in there to establish the roots of success.
It’s not about comparing women’s pro soccer vs. hockey. It’s about the hugeness that could be women’s pro soccer. In time, if done right, it will be a massive success:
Cute woman
Athletic
Smart, driven
Accessible stars
Easy sport to emulate
[quote comment=\”317535\”]Geez, Teebz, you cabbage on to ONE thing I mentioned in my post about women\’s soccer and blow it out of proportion.
My point wasn\’t that THIS soccer league is going to be more popular that hockey. My point was that SOME women\’s soccer league, done right, could be hugely popular … more popular that hockey, that\’s for sure. Think of the available target audience ready for the possibility … give it 25 years of being well-run … and it will be huge.
Simply, more people play soccer. Girls don\’t have a great pro league. Combine the two and do it right = opportunity. WPS sees that, WUSA saw that. They just didn\’t have the stability to hang in there to establish the roots of success.
It\’s not about comparing women\’s pro soccer vs. hockey. It\’s about the hugeness that could be women\’s pro soccer. In time, if done right, it will be a massive success:
Cute woman
Athletic
Smart, driven
Accessible stars
Easy sport to emulate[/quote]
lets put it this way. the number 1 draft pick for the WPS went down with an ACL injury and will not play this year. this will not even make the news. name ANY other sport where the number 1 overall gets injured and it doesnt make headlines?