Tuesday, October 6, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Chicago Red Stars Players Want Owner Removed

  • U.S. Soccer commissioned an investigation into systemic abuse and sexual misconduct in the NWSL.
  • The report found that Red Stars owner Arnim Whisler repeatedly dismissed allegations against former Red Stars coach Rory Dames.
Chicago-Red-Stars
Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

More fallout is coming from the U.S. Soccer-commissioned investigation into systemic abuse and sexual misconduct in the NWSL.

Chicago Red Stars players have called on owner Arnim Whisler to sell his stake after the report — launched following allegations against former Portland Thorns and North Carolina coach Paul Riley — revealed Whisler repeatedly dismissed allegations against former Red Stars coach Rory Dames. 

  • The verbal and emotional abuse claims, which Whisler was aware of “for decades,” date back to 2014, but he took no immediate action to protect players.
  • Last week, Whisler said he would step away from his duties on the NWSL board of governors, as well as give up operational control of the club. 
  • The Red Stars voted to remove Whisler as chairman of the board, and the board reportedly wants to facilitate a sale, too.

“We are united with the board of directors in their decision to remove Whisler from the organization entirely and look forward to finding a new majority owner,” the players’ statement reads.

The club is valued at a little more than $3.5 million, according to Forbes.

Portland-Timbers

Timbers, Thorns Lose Deals Following NWSL Investigation

Alaska Airlines is redirecting its money from the Portland Thorns and Timbers.
October 10, 2022

Other Outcomes

The investigation has affected teams across the league.

Orlando Pride head coach Amanda Cromwell and assistant coach Sam Greene have had their contracts terminated for engaging in “retaliatory conduct” toward players.

Alaska Airlines announced it would redirect its money from the Portland Thorns and Timbers after the investigation revealed owner Merritt Paulson had been supportive of Riley despite the allegations. Paulson stepped down as CEO on Tuesday.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

A Bar of Their Own

Women’s Sports Bars: Novelty Has Worn Off, ‘That’s a Good Thing’

They’re leveling up, but sustainability remains the first consideration.
Bhathals

Fire, Thorns Owners All In on Portland Despite Missing Out on Blazers

The sibling owners say Portland is a “mid-market unicorn.”

Gotham FC Co-Owner Supports Both ‘Rodman Rule’ and Salary Cap

Carolyn Tisch Blodgett emphasized the importance of star power and parity.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with Draymond Green on “New Media”

0:00

Featured Today

Cubs behind the scenes

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
October 2, 2026

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025
September 28, 2026

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
Hot & Social/Mets
September 18, 2026

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.

Colts’ Irsay-Gordon Defends Her Ownership Approach Amid Criticism

Leadership is “about listening,” she told Front Office Sports Tonight.
Oct 3, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Bryan Baker (47) takes the mound in the ninth inning against the New York Yankees in game one of the ALDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Tropicana Field.
October 5, 2026

Hottest Ticket in MLB: Maybe Tampa Bay?

Tampa drew its largest home crowd in 16 years on Saturday.
October 5, 2026

Dream Say Short Playoff Turnaround Is Reason for Closing Upper Bowl

The Dream drew about 9,700 for each of their first two playoff home games.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
October 4, 2026

8 Burning Questions About the Manchester City Case

The ripple effects in global soccer will be huge.
October 4, 2026

Rams Avoid Calamity But Look Far From Juggernaut One Month In

They’re 2-2 after rallying to beat the Eagles.
October 4, 2026

Brewers Open Roof for Game 2 After Wild Game 1 Ending

The Brewers’ roof hotline confirmed the Game 2 move.
October 4, 2026

Commanders Eyeing Adding Spear to Primary Logo

It’s now in an alternate logo.