CHICAGO, Ill. (September 20, 2022) – The Chicago Red Stars and VfL Wolfsburg Women, of the German Frauen-Bundesliga, today launched a strategic alliance that will see the two clubs collaborate and coordinate technical and business resources and create new global business opportunities for the organizations. The Red Stars are a founding member of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with appearances in two successive NWSL Championships, one Challenge Cup Championship appearance and six straight NWSL semi-finals appearances. VfL Wolfsburg is one of the oldest and most successful professional women’s soccer clubs in Europe with two UEFA Women’s Champions League titles and numerous Frauen-Bundesliga and other cup championships.
“There are deep similarities between our clubs and we share many philosophies,” said Arnim Whisler, Principal Owner of the Chicago Red Stars. “We have been exploring a relationship for well over a year and are excited to announce it publicly. Various elements of this relationship will be rewarding for our players, our partners, our employees and our supporters.”
As interest in women’s soccer continues to grow across the world, the Red Stars and VfL Wolfsburg will further expand their mark on the game within and outside of their domestic leagues.
“In the fastest growing segment of the most popular sport in the world, ambitious clubs will need a global network to solidify their position among the best and to create the most sophisticated opportunities in terms of player development, compensation and commercial approaches”, said Michael Meeske, CEO of VfL Wolfsburg. “Therefore, today is an exciting day as we are embarking on a very unique journey that will create sustainable value and long-term growth for both organizations on and off the pitch.”
Despite differences in language and geography, the Red Stars and VfL Wolfsburg share common values stemming from their hometowns. Both clubs value the hard work and grit embodied by the people of Chicago and Wolfsburg, something players from both teams exhibit on the pitch. In addition to elevating each club’s competitiveness on the pitch and in business, the two clubs will look for new opportunities to give back to the communities for which they are named.
Fans can stay up to date on this new partnership by visiting chicagoredstars.com or vfl-wolfsburg.de/en/news/women, or by following the two teams on social media.
About the Chicago Red Stars
Established in 2007, the Red Stars were a founding member of the former Women’s Professional Soccer and later became one of the original eight teams to form the National Women’s Soccer League in 2013. They are the longest continuously operating professional women’s soccer team in the United States. The Red Stars have made the playoffs in seven consecutive years, from 2015-2021, while also competing in three championship matches in as many years, including the 2019 and 2021 NWSL Championships and the 2020 Challenge Cup Championship.
About VfL Wolfsburg Women
The women's team has been part of VfL Wolfsburg since 2003 - and has long been a major figurehead for the club. The longstanding success story began just ten years later: By winning the Triple in the 2012/2013 season, the female wolves set an exclamation mark - in Germany and on the European stage. In 2014, the team of long-time coach and current sporting director Ralf Kellermann ascended the European soccer throne once again.
To date, in addition to these international triumphs, there are eight DFB Cup victories and seven German Championships on the club’s balance sheet that is solidifying the team’s status as one of the most successful women soccer clubs in recent history.
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