Two previous efforts to put a domestic league on the map have failed because of financial constraints but Cheryl Bailey, executive director of the new product that launches next spring, is hopeful of third time lucky.

"We are working on finalising a number of league items but we now have a name and a logo that we think the fans will identify with and enjoy," she said.

"This is a league we have to build from the bottom up and we have a group of dedicated owners and talented support staff at US Soccer to keep this process moving in a positive direction while slowly growing the brand."

The US Soccer Federation (USSF) will subsidise the salaries of up to 24 national team players taking part in the league, while the equivalent governing bodies in Canada and Mexico will do the same for up to 16 of their own players.

The eight teams in the league are Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, FC Kansas City, Portland Thorns FC, Sky Blue FC, Washington Spirit, Western New York Flash and Seattle which has yet to announce its full name.

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