May 18, 2012
OVER AND OUT
WPS settles suit, folds

SAN FRANCISCO---At the same time Women's Professional Soccer announced it had reached a settlement in the case of rogue owner Dan Borislow, the league also announced it was folding.

The three year old league suspended operations earlier this year, deciding to forego its 2012 season to focus on the lawsuit filed by Borislow, who was thrown out of the league following the 2011 season.

The league said the matter with the former magicJack owner had been settled outside of court by a mutual confidential agreement.

Concurrent with announcing the settlement, the league sent out a statement that it would cease operations immediately, making it the second women's professional league to fold after playing only three seasons. The Women's United Soccer Association Played from 2001 to 2003 and folded on the eve of the Women's World Cup. This league ceases operations following a year when women's soccer received a huge boost because of the U.S. team's thrilling performances in last year's Women's World Cup.

“We sincerely regret having to take this course of action,” said T. Fitz Johnson, Atlanta Beat Owner and Chairman of the Board.

The decision to end the league's operations leaves the future of women's soccer in a jumble. The Women's Premier Soccer League began an Elite division this season, with three former WPS teams among its eight clubs. The United Soccer Leagues also reportedly has plans to add a professional division to its W-League next year.