Saturday, October 24, 2026

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

Oct 17, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman (2) on the field against the Gotham FC during the first half at Audi Field.

NWSL Abandons ‘Rodman Rule’ Restrictions

All players are now eligible to receive the league’s maximum salary.

Jessica Berman Says Failed Victory+ Deal Was Risk Worth Taking

The NWSL had a deal with failed streamer Victory+.
FOS Tuned In

Jessica Berman: It’s ‘My Job’ to Solve NWSL Louisville Problem

Louisville falling behind “shows you how quickly this league has changed.”
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/23/26 – JJ Watt Takes CBS Chair, FIFA Rights Shake-Up, Small-Market World Series

0:00

Featured Today

Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?

Mark Walter’s Sports Empire Shrinking Again

The Dodgers and Cadillac F1 remain in Walter’s portfolio despite other sales.
Mat Ishbia
October 23, 2026

Suns Owner Mat Ishbia: Steve Ballmer Is a ‘Great Owner’

“That was a misstep by Steve,” Ishbia told FOS about the situation.
October 23, 2026

Dream Deliver Finals Atmosphere to Match State Farm Arena Move

The Dream hold a 2–1 series lead over the Valkyries.
Sponsored

Blake Griffin’s Plan for Media Domination

The former NBA star is building a second act across media & entertainment.
October 22, 2026

Dak Prescott: Cowboys Scrutiny Comes With the Territory

The Cowboys are off to a rocky 2–4 start.
Oct 7, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) against the Tampa Bay Rays in game three of the ALDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium.
October 21, 2026

Steinbrenner Lays Blame for Yankees Playoff Loss With Players

The club’s managing general partners made several pointed remarks.
October 20, 2026

Jed York, Steve Tisch at NFL Owners Meeting After Scandals

York’s suspension is done.
Aug 20, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Basketball Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady looks on during the first half between the Dallas Wings and Indiana Fever at American Airlines Center.
October 20, 2026

Tracy McGrady Backs NBA’s Clippers Punishment: ‘Bad Business’

“Trying to circumvent the salary cap is just a no-no.”