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USL Phoenix Rising FC

Announcement on USL Super League Phoenix

February 9, 2024 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Phoenix Rising FC News Release


To our cherished Phoenix Rising FC community,

As an integral part of our club's ethos, we hold a profound respect and enthusiasm for the development and promotion of women's soccer. The potential it harbors for growth, impact, and the sheer joy it brings to fans and players alike is immeasurable. It is with this spirit and commitment to fostering a thriving environment for the sport that we approached the possibility of joining the USL Women's Super League.

While we are celebrating U.S. Soccer's decision today to grant Division One sanctioning to the USL Women's Super League, we have reached the conclusion that now is not the opportune moment for our involvement. Our decision is guided by two primary considerations, central to our club's values and strategic vision.

Firstly, the foundational stability of any league is paramount for its success and the welfare of its teams and athletes. With stability in mind, we had set a deadline of December 31, 2023, for the USL Super League to receive Division One sanctioning from U.S. Soccer and for us to secure female leadership for our new women's team. This critical milestone was essential not only for the league's formal recognition but also for ensuring a robust framework that supports the athletes' careers, the teams' development, and the fans' experience.

Secondly, transparency in communications and announcements is essential for sustaining strong bonds within the soccer community. The initial announcement by the USL Super League regarding Tucson's participation, which coincided with our own initiatives, was made without our advanced knowledge. This development negatively impacted buy-in from potential investors, particularly our prospective lead female investor. We are now focused on finding a successor who shares a deep passion for advancing women's soccer in Phoenix, and we think the USL Super League's Division One sanctioning news today will help.

Please understand our decision not to join the league at this time is not a reflection of our support for women's soccer. On the contrary, we are exploring every avenue, diverse leadership, and investors to support and elevate women's soccer, aligning with our club's values and the expectations of our fans and community. In the past five years alone, Phoenix Rising Youth has placed 138 women into college programs, over half of which were division one programs. We are committed to being part of the sport's growth in a manner that ensures long-term success and sustainability.

We are incredibly grateful for your unwavering support and understanding as we navigate these decisions. The passion and dedication of our fans is what drives us forward. We remain dedicated to bringing exciting soccer to our community, in all its forms.

We look forward to the future of women's soccer and our role in it, with the anticipation of joining forces when the time is right, under the right conditions. Until then, we will continue to champion the sport in every way we can.

- Phoenix Rising FC

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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