U.S. Soccer Board of Directors formally approved Women’s Professional Soccer’s request for waivers today, clearing the way for the league to play its fourth season in 2012 as the only division one pro women’s soccer league in the country.

"We are pleased U.S. Soccer and its Board of Directors acknowledge the significance of Women’s Professional Soccer. There is a tremendous amount of potential for growth both for our League and the women’s game on a global scale that could have gone unrealized without a fourth season for WPS."

"We are thankful to all the organizations, players and fans who showed their unwavering support for WPS during this process, and look forward to further strengthening our role as a leader in the women’s game.  We are confident that with the combination of our 2012 campaign and a strong performance from our athletes on the international stage [at the Olympic Games], 2012 will mark another milestone year for women’s soccer."

The division one sanction approved by the Federation allows the league to operate with the current field of five teams in 2012. The approval was contingent upon the League and its Board of Governors accepting and fulfilling, conditions related to the League’s growth and performance in future years.

WPS and its teams continue to establish plans for the upcoming season which will open in April of 2012.  
Looking to build from the swell in attendance in 2011,that included multiple sell-out games and record-setting in-stadium attendance figures, the League’s fourth season will feature a five-month schedule pitting teams from current clubs in Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, New York/New Jersey and Western New York.

In addition to showcasing another season of world class soccer, the League will continue to work toward establishing a collective bargaining agreement with the WPS Players Union and league expansion which are both instrumental to the League’s long-term business plans. 

Up next for WPS will be the League’s annual draft which will be held in January – in conjunction with the annual NSCAA Convention in Kansas City, MO - which brings some of the Nation’s top collegiate talent to the professional ranks.