According to a report from Inside Lacrosse, the WPLL is shutting its doors after just two seasons. WPLL CEO Michele DeJuliis confirmed the information to Halley Griggs.

DeJuliis told Griggs that the players could have opportunities with Athletes Unlimited, which gives home to “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.” 

The past several months have been arduous for DeJuliis and the WPLL. In February, the league downsized from five teams to four with hopes of expanding again down the line. In April, the WPLL canceled its upcoming season because of COVID-19 concerns.

In an interview with US Lacrosse Magazine, DeJuliis said she was confident the league would come back stronger than ever.

In that interview, DeJuliis alluded to locking down a big-time sponsor that would be announced at a later date. Weeks later, a multi-year deal with Nike as the championship sponsor of the league was announced.

This is a developing story.