RSL’s NWSL team receives FC Kansas City player rights

The death knells for FC Kansas City have been rung, and Real Salt Lake’s NWSL team — with a name that is yet to be announced — have received the now-former NWSL team’s player rights.

That includes a host of players with international experience — notably Becky Sauerbrunn, Amy Rodriguez and Sydney Leroux with significant U.S. playing time — and a number of younger players.

The announcement gives some clarity to how RSL will put together a team in a limited timeframe. In addition to the player rights, RSL will receive FCKC’s college draft picks as well as the first overall pick for the entry into the league.

Don’t expect this roster to stay totally intact at Salt Lake, of course — one would expect GM Craig Waibel and his technical director hire to craft a squad alongside a new coaching hire. Rumors have pegged Laura Harvey as an option there, but no announcements have been made to this point.

From a press release, Craig Waibel on the announcement:

"We are sympathetic to the range of emotions experienced in recent days by this group of talented players. However, we know they will be excited about enhancing the soccer culture we are building for them here in Utah," said Real Salt Lake GM Craig Waibel, a defender on the San Jose Earthquakes team which ended up in Houston 12 years ago. "As we evaluate this roster - in the midst of looking to hire a Head Coach - players know that they are the sole focus of our aspirations as we modify our world-class facilities to their needs, expand our club and deepen our roots in the community."