Having faced uncertainty about its future in recent weeks and months, WPS appears to have avoided doomsday. At least for now.
WPS reportedly received conditional Division 1 sanctioning for 2012 from U.S. Soccer's board of directors on Monday evening despite it only having five teams and the minimum for Division I status typically being eight. The decision will be finalized and a formal statement will follow once WPS owners agree upon certain conditions made by U.S. Soccer.
The league's future had been put under the microscope after the magicJack franchise was made extinct following disputes with its owner, Dan Borislow. U.S. women's national team stars Abby Wambach, Hope Solo, Christie Rampone, Megan Rapinoe and Shannon Boxx all played for the club.
The five teams currently in the league are Atlanta Beat, Boston Breakers, Philadelphia Independence, Sky Blue FC and the defending champion Western New York Flash, which employs Brazilian star Marta.
What do you think of U.S. Soccer's decision to give WPS conditional sanctioning? Do you see the league surviving?
Share your thoughts below.