The USSF has sought an exit plan for the past two years, but hasn't been satisfied with owners' proposalsGETTY IMAGES
The U.S. Soccer Federation is "on the verge [of] walking away from its manager role" with the NWSL, a move that would allow the league to "become a fully independent operation," according to Caitlin Murray of YAHOO SPORTS. Former USSF President Sunil Gulati was the "chief architect" of the NWSL, but his departure from the federation means the federation "no longer has anyone invested in running day-to-day operations of the league." While Amanda Duffy holds the title of NWSL President, sources said that Gulati was "essentially the league's actual commissioner all along and, without him, U.S. Soccer's involvement has been unhelpful since." Sources added that the USSF has been "seeking an exit plan for the past two years to relinquish oversight of the NWSL, but the federation hasn't been satisfied with proposals from the NWSL's owners." Murray noted talks had been held with the USL about "absorbing the NWSL into its front office, but those discussions have stalled." The USSF's management agreement is set to expire at the end of the year, and the "previous times the agreement expired, U.S. Soccer renewed it and continued to run the NWSL." However, that "isn't likely to happen this time." The USSF has "committed to providing salaries" to USWNT players in the league through the current CBA, which runs through '21. However, sources said that the USSF "wants a clear plan for the next several years, including commitments for how the NWSL will operate and ensure teams are meeting minimum standards" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 9/23).
