• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
exclusive
Teams

Bidders Line Up for Chicago Red Stars, Sale Expected in Spring

  • The Chicago Red Stars are expected to be sold by the spring, with bidders numbering in the double digits, sources told Front Office Sports.
  • Bids are expected in by the end of February.
Chicago Red Stars forward Mallory Pugh takes a corner kick
Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

A team in one of the largest metro areas and fastest-growing leagues in the U.S. is for sale, and potential buyers are lining up.

The NWSL’s Chicago Red Stars are proving to be a hot commodity, with interested parties numbering in the double digits, sources told Front Office Sports.

  • Bids are expected at the end of February.
  • The sale process has gone according to schedule and is on pace to be completed in the spring.
  • There is still time for a new bidder to swoop in.

Red Stars owner Arnim Whisler said in December that he would sell the club, following a report detailing abuse by former coach Rory Dames and the downplaying of complaints against him by Whisler. The league has banned Dames for life.

The Portland Thorns are also being sold due to similar allegations against former coach Paul Riley and owner Merritt Paulson.

Inner Circle Sports, which is managing the Red Stars sale, declined to comment.

NWSL

NWSL Increases Salary Cap, Focuses on Reform and Growth

The NWSL has increased its salary cap by 25%.
January 13, 2023

Trio Incoming

The NWSL plans to add three teams, with two debuting in the 2024 season. The new entrants will play in Utah, Boston, and the Bay Area, with the latter two paying a record expansion fee of $50 million. Utah, which had a team from 2018-20, will pay between $2 million and $5 million.

Sources told FOS that the Bay Area team is likely to play in San Francisco or the South Bay, but not in Oakland.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Donald Trump
exclusive

Trump’s Unprecedented Super Bowl Visit Cost Secret Service More Than $120K

Trump was the first president to attend the Super Bowl.
exclusive

The Eagles Play Christmas Day for NFL on Netflix

The father-son duo will call the Christmas Day doubleheader again.
exclusive

ESPN, Fox One Added 1M Sign-Ups in First 10 Days After Launch

The two high-profile streaming services have strong starts with consumers.
Sep 14, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Portland Thorns FC midfielder Olivia Moultrie (13) kicks the ball past Chicago Stars FC defender Sam Staab (3) during the second half of a match at SeatGeek Stadium.

NWSL Beefs Up Media Deal With More CBS, ESPN, Adds Victory+

The NWSL has been locked into its existing deal since last year.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Apr 11, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Rayan Rupert (21) shoots a jump shot during the second half against Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (4) at Moda Center.

Trail Blazers Sale and Ownership Group Finalized, Now Awaiting NBA Approval

Dundon’s ownership group also includes the founders of Panda Express.
Valkyries
September 15, 2025

Valkyries Will Try to Remake Ballhalla 50 Miles Away

Golden State will try to stave off elimination in an unfamiliar environment.
September 15, 2025

Warriors $75M Pitch Fails to Sway Kuminga As Season Looms

Kuminga and his representatives want a long-term deal.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Sep 8, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) runs to first base during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
September 12, 2025

The $339 Million Mets Are in Jeopardy of Missing the Playoffs

The Mets’ wild-card lead is 1.5 games with 15 remaining in the regular season.
Sep 10, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun forward Aaliyah Edwards (8) fights to keep the ball in-bounds during the second half against the Atlanta Dream at Mohegan Sun Arena.
September 12, 2025

Connecticut AG Demands Documents From WNBA About Sun Sale Process

The WNBA reportedly prefers to move the team to Houston.
Mar 3, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) warms up prior to the game against the Washington Wizards at Kaseya Center.
September 11, 2025

Hornets Cancel Sports Betting Night Vs. Heat Over Terry Rozier Tie-In

Terry Rozier is under federal investigation for point-shaving in a 2023 game when he was on the Hornets.
May 3, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) controls the ball in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game seven of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena.
September 11, 2025

Clippers Minority Owner Allegedly Invested in Aspiration to Pay Kawhi

Minority investor Dennis Wong allegedly invested in Aspiration as well.