Amanda Vandervort Steps Down as USL Super League President

Amanda Vandervort announced her departure from the role of USL Super League president, stating she will “pursue other opportunities.” The United Soccer League confirmed that a search for her successor has begun, while USL president and CEO Paul McDonough will stay “actively involved” with the league during the transition.

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Vandervort has been the league’s highest-ranking employee since its inception five years ago. Under her leadership the competition shifted from an initial plan to launch as a second-division league to a first-division status sanctioned by U.S. Soccer, with a debut season slated for 2024. The league recently secured its first collective bargaining agreement for players and is currently two weeks into an abbreviated fall season. Eight clubs compete, and Spokane Zephyr FC folded after the second season concluded in May.

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• Amanda Vandervort – former USL Super League president; previously chief women’s football officer of FIFPRO, held various MLS roles for nearly a decade, and worked for the now-defunct Women’s Professional Soccer (Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)).

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• Paul McDonough – USL president and chief executive officer, overseeing the league’s continued operations.

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• Betsy Haugh – vice president of strategy and development for the USL Super League.

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Vandervort’s departure statement emphasized gratitude for the “trust, partnership, and belief” she received and expressed confidence in the clubs and people who will carry the league forward. A USL spokesperson reiterated that the organization is actively searching for a new president.

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• “From the beginning, we set out to create more opportunities for women in the game and more communities where professional women's sports are celebrated, and I'm proud of the league we've built together,” — Extended Reactions Amanda Vandervort

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• “I'm grateful for the trust, partnership, and belief so many people brought to this work, and for the opportunity USL gave me to be part of building something new,” — Extended Reactions Amanda Vandervort

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