Report: NWSL Looking At Tourney Format Outside SLC This Summer

The NWSL is considering a “tournament format for one month this summer” in a controlled environment in greater Salt Lake City for all nine teams, according to sources cited by the Washington Post’s Steven Goff. It is “unclear whether every owner is on board” with the plan, though sponsors would “help defray expenses.” Few, if any, fans would be allowed, though there will be live streams and TV coverage (TWITTER.com, 5/16). In Utah, Ryan McDonald noted Salt Lake City is “one of the bigger markets in the league behind Portland, and Utah has begun easing restrictions on small gatherings that could make such an event work sooner than many other states.” This comes as MLS is reportedly looking at Orlando as serving as a “hub” city (DESERET NEWS, 5/17).