Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/6/20 – Staff Report
Inside Lacrosse has reported that the WPLL is shutting down after two seasons. WPLL CEO Michele DeJuliis confirmed the information to IL’s Halley Griggs.
DeJuliis told Griggs that the players could have opportunities with Athletes Unlimited, which gives opportunities for “underrepresented sports like women’s softball and volleyball” that “did not have a sustainable way to play in the U.S. with less airtime, sponsorship, and compensation.”
Athletes Unlimited offers its athletes profit-sharing and a major role in decision-making.
“The decision to close down the WPLL was a difficult one, but in order to give these exceptionally talented women what they deserve we had to find investors and sponsors that could fully support the league financially,” DeJuliis told Inside Lacrosse. “The WPLL was a great foundation and launched our sport into the national conversation in regard to professional sports. We are proud of what has already been accomplished and excited for all that’s ahead.”
In February, the WPLL downsized from five teams to four. In April, the league called off the season because of COVID-19 concerns. DeJuliis had told Lacrosse Magazine that she was confident the league would come back stronger than ever.
