First came the sale of the United Soccer Leagues from Nike to NuRock Soccer Holdings LLC. on Thursday, August 27th, followed by executive restructuring on Monday, August 31 that saw a shift in power at the top with NuRock's Rob Hoskins taking over as Chairman and Alec Papadakis assuming the role of CEO.

Then, Reuters reported Tuesday that several USL-1 teams are unhappy with the league and are looking tobreakaway to form their own league.  Those teams, of which there arereportedly eight, include major clubs such as Miami, Minnesota,Montreal and Vancouver, and are looking to play in a league that willserve as an alternative to Major League Soccer and the USL.

Should such major clubs leave the USL, it could breakdown the entire pyramid structure set up to progress players from the PremierDevelopment League (D-3), to USL-2 and on to USL-1.

Another competing force in the American soccer market would surelyforce one of the leagues out of business, and neither USL-1 or a saidbreakaway league could compete financially with MLS.  Just ask indoorsoccer fans how troublesome it is having competing leagues.

Lost in all of this discussion is the future of the W-League, whichserves as a huge feeder system for Women's Professional Soccer and themain developing path for top college players.

Director of W-League Operations Melanie Fitzgerald shared her thoughts on NuRock's aquisition of the United Soccer Leagues:

"We are very excited about the acquisition of USL by NuRock Soccer Holdings
from Nike. It is clear from our early meetings with the new ownership group
that NuRock is committed to providing the necessary resources to enhance our
ability to manage the W-League and allow for us to provide more active
support and service for our franchisees.

"Further, we are equally excited by the corresponding announcement that Nike
Soccer and Umbro will continue as league partners.  The combination of
NuRock and Nike / Umbro supporting our management team together with the
efforts of our dedicated franchisees will help us all fulfill the mission
and purpose of the W-League, which is to continue to be to the most
competitive developmental league for female soccer players in the US and
Canada."

I am still digging around to see exactly what this sale will mean for theW-League, particularly if several USL-1 teams were to break off.  Ascan be seen in the Reuters article, though, the folks at the USL don'tseem to be acknowledging much on that subject.