Last Week around the Leagues
by Fran Stuchbury
January 9, 2024 - United Football League (UFL)
This past week the Portland Thorns of the National Women's Soccer League were sold to RAJ Sports for a reported NWSL-record $63 million, the United Football League announced initial roster information, and the USL Super League's Carolina franchise named Philip Poole as the club's first-ever head coach. Highlights from this week come from the National Women's Soccer League, USL Super League, Major League Soccer, Major Arena Soccer League, United Football League, Canadian Football League, American Hockey League, Southern Professional Hockey League, Professional Women's Hockey League, Western Hockey League, North American Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, United States Hockey League, National Lacrosse League, Premier Lacrosse League, NBA G League, International League, Major League Rugby, and American Ultimate Disc League.
SOCCER
National Women's Soccer League
RAJ Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal, has formally assumed controlling ownership of Portland Thorns FC of the National Women's Soccer League from Peregrine Sports LLC, the two groups announced. Lisa Bhathal Merage will serve as controlling owner and NWSL Governor, while Alex Bhathal will serve as NWSL Alternate Governor. "This is a milestone day for our family, and for the amazing Portland community," says Lisa Bhathal Merage. "Everything we do centers on positive impact. As fans ourselves, and as seasoned sports and real estate operators, we believe in the future of Portland and the NWSL, and in the tremendous opportunity that surrounds this iconic team."
Portland Thorns sold to California-based RAJ Sports for reported $63 million, the largest deal in National Women's Soccer League history.
USL Super League
Super League Carolina announced the hiring of Philip Poole as the club's first-ever Head Coach ahead of its inaugural 2024 season. Poole, a Charlottean for 24 years, will lead the Carolina's new women's professional soccer team following the conclusion of his duties as an Assistant Coach with the United States Women's National Team, which will run until the end of the 2024 SheBelieves Cup in April. He becomes the Super League Carolina Head Coach after an extensive search of highly talented candidates throughout professional soccer. "I'm thrilled to be chosen to lead this new women's professional soccer franchise and join the USL Super League ahead of its inaugural season," stated Super League Carolina Head Coach, Philip Poole. "I look forward to working with our ownership group to expand the women's game and create more opportunities for exceptional women to compete and work in the game of soccer. To support our players, we're going to bring in a top-tier technical staff, develop a robust athlete care program and create a community of passionate women's soccer fans across the Carolinas. The climb begins today! ¬Â
After years at U.S. Soccer, Poole returns to the Carolinas with local ties to UNC Charlotte, Wake Forest University and Wingate University.
Charlotte soccer fans will be in for a treat this summer. A new professional soccer league will begin its inaugural season in August.
Major League Soccer
Minnesota United announced that interim head coach Sean McAuley has departed the club to pursue other opportunities. Cameron Knowles, formerly the MNUFC2 head coach, has been named the Loons' first-team interim head coach following McAuley's departure.
MNUFC wishes Sean all the best in the future, and would like to thank him for his contributions to the club on the pitch and in the community over the past five years. Minnesota United's search for a permanent head coach is underway.
Last-Minute Magic: Best of Stoppage Time Goals in MLS 2023
Major Arena Soccer League
Take 5 minutes to catch up on the week that was in the MASL with MASL in 5!
FOOTBALL
United Football League
The United Football League, the premier spring football league, has announced the results of the first phase of its player dispersal process, which was held on Friday, Jan. 5. Each remaining XFL Conference and USFL Conference team protected 42 foundational players from its 2023 roster. Each team was then allowed to select up to 20 players from the rosters of teams within their previous league that will not be moving forward in 2024. Players not protected or selected in this initial process will be placed in a pool of players who will be available for all UFL teams to choose from, regardless of previous league, in another round of player dispersal on Jan. 15. Free agency for players who were not selected or did not play in the USFL or XFL in 2023 will continue on Jan. 16.
Most Interesting Picks in the United Football League Draft (so far)
UFL Executive VP of Football Operations talks about upcoming season
It was announced earlier this week that the Michigan Panthers would be a part of the newly formed United Football League. Head coach Mike Nolan stops by the Live Desk to talk about that process.
Canadian Football League
Record-Setting Canadian wins CFL Defensive Player of the Year. Mathieu Betts was a star at Laval, and in 2023 emerged as a star in the CFL as well, setting a new record for a Canadian with a whopping 18 sacks on the season.
HOCKEY
American Hockey League
Hershey Bears 2024 GIANT Teddy Bear Toss Goal
Charlotte Checkers executive talks preparations for outdoor hockey. The Charlotte Checkers play Saturday, Jan. 13, at Truist Field.
Southern Professional Hockey League
Week 11 Goals
Professional Women's Hockey League
Grace Zumwinkle gets hat trick in PWHL Minnesota home opener
History was made in Minnesota this weekend when more than 13,000 people attended the home opener for Minnesota's PWHL franchise, breaking the world record for attendance at professional women's hockey game. WCCO's Marielle Mohs caught up with young hockey players to see what that moment meant to them.
In last night's PWHL game with Toronto VS New York we saw the first ever jail break goal in action! That and more in today's PWHL Hockey video
Western Hockey League
WHL Top 10
North American Hockey League
NAHL Top Plays - December 25-31, 2023
Ontario Hockey League
OHL Plays of the Week
United States Hockey League
USHL Goals of the Week
LACROSSE
National Lacrosse League
NLL Week 5: Top 5 Plays
LAXMetrics Week 5: Dobson's Case for Goaltender of the Year
Premier Lacrosse League
The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) powered by Ticketmaster announced changes to the league's playoff format following its adoption of a two-conference structure for the 2024 season. In the regular season, PLL teams will play in-conference opponents twice, and out-of-conference opponents once. Under the new playoff format, the Eastern and Western Conference winners will receive a first-round bye, with remaining teams to be seeded based on their overall record. The two bottom performing teams through the regular season will be eliminated from playoff contention. "In this new era of the PLL, teams and fans will see new rivalries emerge, as teams compete for conference titles with playoff seeding implications in their pursuit to bring home a PLL Championship," said Paul Rabil, Co-Founder and President of the Premier Lacrosse League. "A more competitive playoff structure, including an East vs. West All-Star Game, will be exciting evolutions for our teams, players and fans. ¬Â
The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) powered by Ticketmaster announced it will return to Japan to host men's and women's professional lacrosse exhibitions in partnership with SEKAI CROSSE on March 20, 2024 at Fujitsu Stadium Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan, in addition to youth lacrosse clinics and professional skills challenges. "We're thrilled to return to Japan for a third time in tandem with world-class lacrosse professionals to promote the game's growth with our partners and friends at SEKAI CROSSE," said Paul Rabil, Co-Founder and CEO of the Premier Lacrosse League. "With newfound Olympic momentum and a renewed commitment in sharing the game globally, these PLL men's and women's players will host local clinics, participate in a guest visit at an elementary school, and compete in a showcase against the Cross Crosse All-Stars. ¬Â
MOST CREATIVE LACROSSE GOALS OF 2023
BASKETBALL
NBA G League
Top 20 Plays Of December 2023
Washington Wizards Two-Way signee Jared Butler earns G League Player of the Week honors for games played between Dec. 27 and Jan. 1 after putting up 28.0 PPG and 12.5 APG during a 2-0 week for the Capital City Go-Go. Butler shot a red-hot 55.3% FG and 69.2% 3PT with an OT game-winner vs. the Cruise.
Top Blocks Of The Month - December 2023
BASEBALL
International League
Charlotte Knights owner says team exploring potential sale. The team confirmed the news in a mid-morning statement saying, "We want to vet the interested groups to see if a sale makes sense for Don Beaver and his family. The Knights have been a tremendous asset to the Greater Charlotte Region and we are committed to continuing that legacy for years to come. ¬Â
OTHER SPORTS
Major League Rugby
Rundown on new signings for MLR's Miami Sharks - Dan Pryor, Matias Freyre & Sean Mcnulty
American Ultimate Disc League
Through the ROOF! The 10 best skying catches from the 2023 season |
Did we miss anything newsworthy or fun? Have a nomination for next week's column? Contact us today and let us know.
United Football League Stories from January 9, 2024
- Last Week around the Leagues - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
