Monday, October 12, 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

10/9/26 – MLB’s 154-Game Pitch, NFL Bets on SCOTUS, Shaq Says Barkley Isn’t Leaving

0:00

Featured Today

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

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?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

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.

Atlanta Dream Likely to Host WNBA Finals at Tiny Home Arena

The Dream will play their home games at State Farm next year.
October 11, 2026

Deshaun Watson’s Revived Play Raises Questions About Future

Watson is in the fifth and final year of his contract.
October 11, 2026

John Harbaugh’s Giants Are Contenders, Even With an Odd Tie

The Giants lead the NFC East.
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 8, 2026

Titans Fire Three Business Execs Amid Another Ugly Start

The moves are just the latest high-level exits and shifts in recent years. 
October 7, 2026

Buss Siblings: Jeanie Can’t Block Sale of Lakers Stake

Jeanie is acting purely out of self-interest, her siblings say.
First at FOS
October 7, 2026

Yankee Stadium Quietly Suffered a Summer Peanut Shortage

The Yankees mysteriously ran out of peanuts this summer.
October 6, 2026

Colts’ Irsay-Gordon Defends Her Ownership Approach Amid Criticism

Leadership is “about listening,” she told Front Office Sports Tonight.