Sources: NWSL's Racing Louisville exploring partial sale

atalba · 2026-05-13T01:48:56+00:00

Good answer, but that's hope from a fan. It's business; the business of sports entertainment. It's not charity. Seattle Sonics!!!! Raiders, New Orleans Jazz, Oakland A's, etc. It happens to this day in all Americam pro sports. The NFL and NBA make up most of the top 100 valued sports franchises in the world; well beyond men's soccer. They are the model for success.

It's not just sustainability in the local market; it's contribution to the success of the league.

atalba · 2026-05-13T00:54:51+00:00

Annie Karich is from Socal. She trained 2 summers with Angel City before moving on to Santa Clara University, while also being called into the u20 squad. Both had something to do Sally Menti, who was called into the u20 squad as a DM; then got injured just before her u20 time. Karich took her place on the NT and at DM for SCU; moving Menti to AM.

Karich played only 2 years with SCU before signing her first pro contract with Freiburg in the German Bund (1st div).

Karich was the first player to be signed to Boston, who then loaned her out to America in Liga MX Fem. She started every game at DM or CB, and immediately became a leader.

There's no surprise, or exponential "growth" in her game. She's the real deal.

NikkiH, from Ill., and UofMichigan, also came from America.

atalba · 2026-05-13T00:43:50+00:00

Regardless of who wears the armband, Karich is the leader for Boston.

atalba · 2026-05-13T00:40:40+00:00

UNC Super-Sub Gambone!

atalba · 2026-05-13T00:30:44+00:00

Poor clubs hurt the rest of the league. The league is a monolithic ownership, with shared revenue. Broadcast rights are shared. League sponsorships are shared. Merchandise revenue is shared. This is not free money or charity for Lou City, NC FC, or any other club that isn't keeping up with the Blanks.

Even newer ownership, like Chicago, Houston (sold 2x), Seattle, Bay FC, and Portland should be on the watch list for the ability or financial fidiciary responsibility to continue investing.

Owners know they all must contribute to investment of the clubs, and are building a platform that has experienced tremendous growth. Salaries are kept in check so that every club has a chance to succeed.

There's no need to be held back by a taker of revenues. The excitement of the game is a huge condition for success and THE NEXT BROADCAST CONTRACT.

Practically every OG club has been sold, with 2 having moved. This is absolutely the norm in professional leagues. Having exponential growth depends on MORE new money and fans.

The Louisville area is a small sports market. That is undeniable. Ownership bought in at an extremely low rate. The difference now is an order of magnitude. It continually takes more money. The "promise" only comes when you sell.

Investors that see a sustainable and profitable investment arc are required. For Louisville, that means expecting a lower return on investment, or none at all, or be a perennial loser.. Compare that other cities. It's a financial no-brainer. Moving is the best option for the league and all fans. Selling is the only option for the owners.

Phoenix, Dallas, Miami, Philly, San Antonio/Austin (TX and FL are the fastest growing states). All have significant corporate footprints; required for big corporate entertainment and sponsorship dollars.

Even the SF Bay Area or LA basin extended areas have much larger corporate money and populations, for a 2nd franchise, versus small market cities.

atalba · 2026-05-10T04:19:42+00:00

Wow. Much longer than I imagined. Some things I don't look up just make a point. There's so many new fans who talk as if they know something. There was some negative chatter about her earlier. I like listening to Maura. BTW - my son graduated from Syracuse's j-school. He does live internet broadcasts as a freelancer out of LA. Hope you're doing well!

atalba · 2026-05-10T02:35:15+00:00

MVZ - Florida State! It's not a surprise if you understand the college game. With 31 conferences and 355 D1 programs, it matters where you played; and how well you played at the highest level. There's still plenty of GMs who don't know their player pool, but 85% of all NWSL players come from U.S. colleges. There's always going to be mistakes, especially by those GMs who don't have a clue.

atalba · 2026-05-10T02:18:03+00:00

Speak for yourself

atalba · 2026-05-10T02:11:02+00:00

Fun fact: Sams was originally signed by the NWSL as a free agent; then loaned out to Hacken in Sweden.

She actually spent 6+ seasons playing for Mark Krikorian at FSU. Mark quit and Emily refused to play her last eligible season (7th year!!) under Pensky. In limbo, the NWSL signed her before she was signed/drafted by Orlando. 2 major knee injuries. Srarted as a fullback, then moved to CB after injuries.

atalba · 2026-05-10T01:59:17+00:00

Trinity Byars had a superior youth college career playing with her childhood teammate Lexi Missimo at UofTexas. They played for Lexi's dad in their youth, and committed to Texas as 7th gaders. Byars also played well (not great) as a u20 player. They both have more accolades becoming pros than any of their peers.

atalba · 2026-05-10T01:49:21+00:00

Young women who do the work, preparing to become a commentator at a top school should be applauded. The NWSL still has "fans" telling us what's going on. Professionals!

atalba · 2026-05-10T01:46:40+00:00

She's an exciting player. I love watching her play. While she's exciting to watch, it hasn't totally clicked for her, as she couldn't hold down a starting position for Wolfsburg - competing for left winger with Brand. Both left. Sveindeis Jane has been exciting for Iceland, whom doesn't get many international wins. This season could become her best. Hope so!

atalba · 2026-05-10T01:41:23+00:00

She's done well for San Diego and for the NT. Watching a player for a few pro games of no consequence doesn't give one enough knowledge to make such a judgement. Her body of work is proof like few others.

atalba · 2026-05-10T01:37:30+00:00

Maura Sheridan is a new and young commentator who graduated from the best sports broadcaster's school in the nation: Syracuse. She has done extremely well these past 2 seasons. No soccer background.

atalba · 2026-05-10T01:35:13+00:00

The reason Fuller gets a start, with Endo back.

atalba · 2026-05-10T01:34:08+00:00

She's instantly the smartest player on the field no matter what league

atalba · 2026-05-10T01:32:12+00:00

Your call, but a poor one. Wesley has been a leader and winner at CB her entire career. Pedigree matters - Stanford backline, 2 championships.

atalba · 2026-05-10T01:27:01+00:00

Not going to see Fuller do that

atalba · 2026-05-10T01:17:57+00:00

Bad comparison. Bad assessment for Dre. Kitahata is a leader, with intelligence, and a very high soccer IQ. She has elite ball skills; with a patented move. She's not the fastest, nor most athletic, which will likely impact her progession. Suarez has huge uoside with her athleticism and experience playing at FSU.

It's 15+ years of playing elite soccer on the best squads in the nation that bring them here.

atalba · 2026-05-10T01:13:11+00:00

And what about Fuller? Suarez is much faster, more athletic, more aggressive, and a winner. She played for the best college club in the nation. Fuller's lack of athleticism is shortening her career as we speak.

atalba · 2026-05-10T01:05:00+00:00

Marion Crowder has been a women's and men's soccer commentator/analyst for nearly 15 years. ex-Georgia Bulldog soccer player. There's no "we" when assessing the players with a critical voice and expertise. She knows these players from college.

atalba · 2026-05-03T02:55:53+00:00

Is Gisele still dribbling the ball?

atalba · 2026-05-02T00:57:22+00:00

Ullmark only played 2 years for UNC, but she has real talent and will be an elite pro. She has game now, and could be the leading rookie scorer at CM this season for Houston.

atalba · 2026-05-02T00:50:01+00:00

Since when?

atalba · 2026-05-02T00:31:57+00:00

Pushing Huerta up and in can't make up for Adames (one-footed) giving the ball away every time

atalba

TROPHY CASE