Wednesday, November 11, 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

Stadium Issues Pile Up for NWSL Semifinals

It’s déjà vu for women’s sports fans.

Ken Griffin’s $32M to GOP Towers Over Soccer Election Spending

MLS owners spent about $4.5 million on the midterms.
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+.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

11/11/26 – 24-Team CFP Fallout, Brees Eyes ‘MNF,’ Sportsbooks Get Crushed

0:00

Featured Today

West Wind Mahjong

Mahjong Mania Has Come for College Sports

Bespoke retailers are cashing in with officially licensed mahjong sets.
November 6, 2026

Can MLS Capitalize on Son-Mania?

Korea and Tottenham fans alike have flocked to LAFC’s away matches.
Pickering High School North
November 4, 2026

High School Athletic Directors Say They’re Running ‘Mini Colleges’

ADs are managing a growing list of demands from athletes and parents.
October 30, 2026

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
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
October 21, 2026

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

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

Vikings Reunite With Cousins As Raiders Begin Mendoza Era

Minnesota sent Las Vegas a third-round pick for Cousins.
November 10, 2026

Aiyuk Will Try to Settle $13 Million Dispute With 49ers, Agent Says

His playing status remains a separate issue.
November 10, 2026

Hellebuyck Saga Deepens With Death Threats, Jets Rip Devils

The former NHL MVP said he received death threats.
Sponsored

How Jeremy Bloom Is Reinventing the X Games

Jeremy Bloom discusses transforming the X Games into a global brand.
Nov 8, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New Jersey Devils goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) follows the play against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at Scotiabank Arena.
November 9, 2026

Devils Stoke Drama With Bizarre Hellebuyck Announcement

The star goalie’s departure from Winnipeg comes back into sharper focus.
November 8, 2026

With Myles Garrett Back, Rams Finally Field (Most Of) Superteam

Garrett and Aaron Donald teamed up for the first time.
Oct 7, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves fans cheer as pitcher Tyler Mahle (54) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning in game four of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park.
November 4, 2026

Success of The Battery Is Standout of Braves Earnings Report

The club’s real estate venture remains highly profitable.
Ice Hockey - IIHF World Championships - Group A - Switzerland v Finland - Swiss Life Arena, Zurich, Switzerland - May 26, 2026 Finland's Aatu Ratyr reacts after clashing with Switzerland's Nico Hischier
November 3, 2026

Global Hockey Heavy Hitters Refuse to Play Reinstated Russia

Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark all refuse to play Russia.