The Indy Eleven have acquired a women’s professional franchise in the upcoming USL Super League.
According to a news release, the Eleven will join an initial group of 10-12 markets as members of the first-division league, which will begin in August 2024.
“This is a total team effort,” said Greg Stremlaw, Indy Eleven President & CEO. “From the vision of our ownership, the work in our front office and to the incredible support of our fans, we have not wavered in our dedication to growing the women’s game. The USL Super League launching on the doorstep of Eleven Park has all the stars aligning.”
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The United Soccer League team will also play in a new home in the next couple years. In February, developers gave a first look at their $1 billion project called Eleven Park, which will include a new stadium for the soccer team. It is expected to be open by summer 2025.
“The premiere of an elite level, top tier women’s pro league launching at the same time we are breaking ground on an elite level top tier stadium is more than fate and coincidence,” Stremlaw said. “It’s what happens when great ideas and hard work hit the calendar at the same time. We have been a proud partner with the USL at the Academy, W League and Championship level for a number of years and we share a passion and desire to grow the women’s game.”
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The USL Super League will be governed by U.S. Soccer’s Division One sanctioning process, the release noted. It will have a goal of addressing the opportunity gap between men’s and women’s professional soccer in the United States.
The new league will play on the international calendar from fall to summer.
“Growing up playing soccer in Indiana was lifechanging for me and my teammates. The dream of playing professionally was a fire that burned inside all of us and the path to get there was a difficult one. … But there was a path,” Sporting Director, Academy and W League Operations, Phil Presser said. “For the girls and young women aspiring to chase this same dream there was no clear path to pro. Until now. The commitment from Indy Eleven to join the top level of professional women’s soccer in the country just created the direct path from youth player to pro player.”
Additional markets that will take part in the inaugural season are expected to be announced at a later date.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Women’s soccer: Indy Eleven acquire franchise in USL Super League