3rd Most Important Moment in Sports for 2013

REAL SPORTS, The Authority in Women's Sports, released its 11th Annual edition of the Most Important Moments in Sports.  Coming in at number 3 is "New League, New Approach".

The third time seems to be working for pro soccer.  With the failed models of the Women’s United Soccer Association (2001-03) and  Women’s Professional Soccer (2009-11) as guides, in 2013, the National Women’s Soccer League embarked upon a different approach to ensure a successful return for professional soccer.  

Recognizing that overhead costs, including player’s salaries, caused huge challenges for earlier leagues, NWSL sought the support of national federations — U.S. Soccer Federation, the Canadian Soccer Association and the Mexican Football Federation. 

2013 NWSL Championship featuring Portland Thorns vs. Western New York Flash. Photo credit: ISIPhotos.com 

...Lowering overhead for owners is but one benefit of the involvement of the sport’s ruling bodies. The financial involvement of the USSF, CSA and FMF signals recognition that the success of their national teams is, in part, dependent upon the existence of a North American women’s professional league. 

To read more about REAL SPORTS 3rd Most Important Moment in Sports as well as the entire countdown, visitwww.realsportsmag.com