December 5, 2023
Dear WUL Community,
Earlier today, the Los Angeles Astra announced their departure from the Western Ultimate League. This decision came after many hard conversations between the LA Astra ownership group and the WUL leadership team.
Ultimate is a unique sport with a rich history and boundless potential. Our sport encompasses a vast and diverse group of players at every level – from youth to grand masters – and we take pride in the fact that we’ve created opportunities for every type of athlete. Our robust college and club communities have propelled our sport for decades and fostered incredible competition along the way. In the grand scheme of things, professional ultimate is actually the “new kid on the block”, particularly for women and non-binary players.
When the WUL formed in 2019, we had a strong vision for what the future of ultimate could be. We imagined a world where these extraordinary athletes, from every corner of our sport, could showcase their talents on a professional stage. Our inaugural season in 2022 included seven teams across five states in the Western U.S, supported by unique ownership groups who were willing to take the leap and invest in this sport and this community alongside us.
As with any new venture, the early days are filled with risk and uncertainty. The owners in our league have all committed immense resources and energy into the teams and have shaped the WUL into what it is today. The LA Astra ownership group has determined that their great experiment into professional ultimate for women and non-binary players may need to be reimagined. They have learned important lessons, and they are working to align their local community around future opportunities to support a team in a more sustainable way.
Their departure from the 2024 season is, in many ways, part of the reality of new sports leagues. They’ve made the decision that was right for them, and that reflects their commitment to building a strong and viable organization down the road. We encourage the LA community to reach out to Astra leadership and ask about how they can support and stay involved during this time.
The WUL is excited about a competitive 2024 season ahead, and we look forward to continuing to build our fan base across the country. We’ll be releasing our schedule very soon, so be sure to follow your favorite teams as they roll out ticket sales, new merch, rosters, and pre-season announcements!
Megan Andrews
WUL Executive Director
