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WUSA begins to take shape
By Dean Caparaz, Soccer America Feb. 15. Discovery Channel boss John Hendricks announces the launch of a new women's soccer league. Investors promise a collective minimum investment of $40 million. Former U.S. national team coach Tony DiCicco is hired and soon becomes acting commissioner. April 10. The league announces its eight markets, player commitments and TV agreement with TNT. The league office opens in New York. May 23. After months of ill will, the WUSA and MLS agree to a cooperation plan that provides for a coordination of marketing and promotion, scheduling and stadium development. MLS drops plans for a women's league. May 24. The 20 founding players - the members of the U.S. World Cup '99 team - plus non-World Cup players Siri Mullinix, Mandy Clemens, LaKeysia Beene and Michelle French are allocated, three to a team.
Aug. 23. U.S. Soccer sanctions the WUSA as a Division I women's professional soccer league. Sept. 13. Lauren Gregg is hired as vice president of player personnel and technical director. Gregg becomes the Sunil Gulati of the women's league, as she scours the world for players. Sept. 25. Thom Meredith is hired as vice president of operations. Meredith leaves a comfortable position at U.S. Soccer to make sure the WUSA's "trains run on time." Oct. 31. The Orlando team moves to North Carolina because it can't find a stadium in Orlando. The Triangle area was slated as a future expansion team. Nov. 2. The WUSA's grand unveiling takes place in New York. It confirms the participation of eight teams, their nicknames and stadium plans. Dec. 10. The league begins its first "global" draft of American and foreign players in Boca Raton, Fla. The eight teams select 120 players, including five Chinese national team stars, in the draft, which stretches over two days. By Dean Caparaz is an associate editor at Soccer America magazine.
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