An L.A. ownership group is "in the midst of expansion talks with the NWSL to bring professional women's soccer to California for the first time in over a decade," according to Meg Linehan of THE ATHLETIC. While the deal "isn't finalized yet," the LLC named WFC LA, Inc. has been "established in Delaware -- and it has submitted a Statement and Designation by Foreign Corporation form to the Secretary of State of California that "would allow them to 'transact intrastate business in California.'" WFC LA President & CEO Julie Uhrman is the primary name on the filing for trademark applications. Multiple other parties also are "involved in the ownership group, but it is not yet known who else is involved." Uhrman has "advised multiple startups, mostly in the world of gaming and digital media." Most NWSL observers "expected that if the league were to expand to LA, it would be one of the city's two MLS teams that would do it." A source confirmed that one of the two L.A. MLS teams is "expected to still be involved as part of the expansion efforts." That involvement will "likely be as an operating partner for the team, but may also include an ownership stake as well." Uhrman and the ownership group also have "taken initial steps toward branding the potential expansion team." WFC LA in May filed two trademark applications for "Angel City FC" and "Angel City Football Club" (THEATHLETIC.com, 6/17).
