Seattle can keep their Henry rumors, we’ve got Marta up in hurr

By: Melissa | June 9th, 2008

To the extent that we can create buzz and excitement during these early stages of the league, the WPS site released more news today regarding league allocations and the speculations that Marta will eventually play for us. Specifically, an allocation draft of the current USWNT roster could happen as early as July. In an admittedly snazzy PR move, Commissioner Tonya Antonucci said, “We’re looking at having athletes on teams before the Olympics so that there is maximum marketing association of those players and their new hometown franchise.” And it looks like the decisions for who goes where will be a combination of the player’s, the team’s, and the league’s.

After the USWNT dispersion takes place, the league will then decide on the status of interested internationals – and, yes, this does include Marta, whose Swedish contract ends at the end of the year. Antonucci says teams are allowed to negotiate with her beginning July 1st and that Marta is interested in starting talks. My guess is, the already established clubs (DC, Boston, NJ, and Chicago) will have the upper hand here.

WPS expects to hold three to six player drafts after the Olympics (for W-League and WPSL players perhaps?). There will also be supplemental drafts in late 2008 or early 2009 for players who just completed their NCAA eligibility.

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Category: WPS News

Tags: Marta, Player Drafts, WPS News

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• Hana |  June 9th, 2008 at 4:14 pm

  
  
  

  Having Marta would be SO INSANE. Especially if she played for Chicago. Oh. Yes. I admire her so incredibly much, she’s simply mind-blowing. It would be huge for the league if she’d come play.

  Posted from United States

  

• Ian Rose |  June 9th, 2008 at 4:51 pm

  
  
  

  I’d love to see Marta playing in the US. It would be fantastic for US soccer in general and the women’s game in particular. Pay her what she wants, WPS.

  Posted from United States

  

• -nickt.- |  June 9th, 2008 at 6:44 pm

  
  
  

  that would be awesome. i can’t wait for this league to start.

  Posted from United States

  

• Colin |  June 10th, 2008 at 3:33 pm

  
  
  

  I can’t wait to not watch this league. Maybe if they played topless…

  Posted from United States

  

• Melissa |  June 10th, 2008 at 4:56 pm

  
  
  

  Colin, the league can’t wait to not watch you too

  Posted from United States

  

• Hana |  June 12th, 2008 at 9:29 pm

  
  
  

  Look what we have here, another Sepp Blatter type, aka. Mr. Women should play in short shorts.

  Colin, I don’t suppose you happen to have his idiocy too? Actually, judging by your comment, not sure why I’m asking. Your stupidity speaks for itself.

  Posted from United States

  

• carmela |  August 16th, 2008 at 8:02 pm

  
  
  

  Wow! Even the minute thought of having Marta in the States, let alone Chicago is seriously moving me to tears. Never has an athlete inspired me as much as Marta. She is a pioneer of women’s soccer, a voice for women players of her caliber to get the respect they much deserve! I watch her play, and I am often just in awe by this woman’s skills and beauty at mastering the ball. As a Chicagoan, I’d get season tickets and support Marta and the Red Stars. Oh! What a surreal experience it would be to have this woman in my city!!!! I hope this manifests into reality!

  Posted from United States

  

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