In previous columns on business and organizational issues related to soccer, we have discussed sponsorship development. Given the issues currently facing the WUSA (women’s professional soccer league), we have the opportunity for DTL readers to get actively involved as “sponsorship commentators” on the WUSA.

Right now the WUSA is on hold. After a couple of start up years that saw many of the world’s finest players come to play in the WUSA, the league looked at financial projections that caused concern for the future. To restart the WUSA, there will need to be more positive indications of financial success going forward.

Normally in professional leagues, such success is driven by in stadium attendance and television viewers. If enough people actively support a team and its league, then sponsorships, merchandising programs, and other revenue streams will be available. But, without sufficient fan support either in stadiums or at home in front of the television, it is difficult for professional leagues to survive.

So, through some questions and answers, we want to explore information related to two types of “sponsors” that impact the WUSA:

1.      Fans who “sponsor” the league by attending games or watching them on television.

2.      Corporate “sponsors” (i.e. investors, advertisers, television coverage, etc.), who take their lead from the fans.

To provide some useful “sponsorship commentary” on the WUSA, all you have to do is read and respond to the following questions. If you will send an email back to warren with your answers listed, then we will tally up the results, publish them in an upcoming issue of DTL, and provide them to the WUSA.

Maybe DTL readers will generate insights that can benefit the WUSA!

1.      Do you live within 100 miles of a WUSA team?

2.      Did you ever attend a WUSA game?

3.      Approximately how many WUSA games did you attend this past season?

4.      If you did attend WUSA games, how many people would normally go with you?

5.      If you did attend WUSA games, what was the primary reason:

a.       Best women’s soccer in the world.

b.      Accessible professional soccer.

c.       Best soccer in my area.

d.      Good entertainment.

e.       Trying to inspire my children/youth players/ team.

f.        Affordable professional sport.

g.       Other (please explain).

6.      If you did not attend any WUSA games and you live within 100 miles of a WUSA team, what is the primary reason for not attending a WUSA game:

a.       Still too far to travel.

b.      Do not like women’s soccer.

c.       Never attend professional games; I prefer to play/coach rather than watch.

d.      I would rather watch the games on television.

e.       Did not know there was a nearby WUSA team; or, did not know the schedule.

f.        Too expensive (ticket, gas, parking, concessions).

g.       Attend other types of soccer games (per Question 8).

h.       Other (please explain).

7.      What would it have taken for you to have attended more WUSA games (even 1 more)?

8.      Do you attend other soccer games (please indicate all that apply)?

a.       MLS

b.      A-League

c.       PDL

d.      College soccer --- men

e.       College soccer --- women

f.        MISL

g.       US National Team games

h.       Exhibition games featuring foreign teams

9.      If you attend other soccer games per Question 8, but not WUSA games, why is that?

10.  Did you watch any WUSA games on television?

11.  Approximately how many WUSA games did you watch on television this past season?

12.  What would it have taken for you to have watched more WUSA games on television (even 1 more)?

13.  Do you watch other soccer games on television (please indicate all that apply)?

a.       MLS

b.      A-League

c.       College soccer --- men

d.      College soccer --- women

e.       US National Team games

f.        Exhibition games featuring foreign teams

g.       International soccer games (e.g. Champions League, English Premier League, etc.)

h.       Soccer News and Feature shows

i.         Other (please explain)

14.  If you watch other soccer games on television per Question 13, but not WUSA games, why is that?

15.  If you do not live within 100 miles of a WUSA team, would you go watch a WUSA game if it came to your area (within 100 miles)?

16.  What products/brands do you think would benefit from being associated with the WUSA?

17.  Who are you three favorite WUSA players?

18.  What is the best thing about the WUSA?

19.  What is the best advice you can offer to the owners of the WUSA to help them be successful?

20.  What soccer related roles describe you (please indicate all that apply)?

a.       Current player

b.      Former player

c.       Coach

d.      Soccer parent

e.       Soccer fan

f.        None of the above

21.  Other personal characteristics:

a.       Male

b.      Female

c.       Under 20

d.      Over 20

22.  Please provide us with your hometown and state. No further personal information is necessary.

Thank you for your time and interest. We look forward to your responses.