Following the success of The findings of an independent investigation into NWSLFormer attorney general Sally Q. Yates (Portland). ThornsIn a Tuesday statement, Merritt Paulson, Timbers owner, stated that he is no longer the CEO of both teams.
Since 2007, Paulson has been the company’s owner-operator. The Thorns were established in 2012. Paulson stepped aside from the Thorns’ decision-making last week and appointed the club’s general counsel, Heather Davis, as interim president/CEO. Davis will still hold these roles. Sarah Keane was named interim CEO. According to the statement Keane will head the search for permanent CEO.
“Looking ahead, our organization is at a crossroads, and the future is not necessarily a clear path,” Paulson said in the statement. “No matter what happens, ensuring the long-term health and success of the Portland Thorns is critical to me, as I know it is for our players and the community.”
The investigation was conducted jointly by both the NWSLThe NWSL Players Association, which was commissioned in Oct 2021, is still active and will be completed by the end the year. Paulson’s future as owner of the Thorns is yet to be determined, but a team source said, “his primary objective is to ensure the Thorns are viable, successful and remain in Portland.”
Paulson’s decision comes as he is under great pressure from the Portland fan base to sell both the Thorns and Timbers following the release of the Yates report last week. U.S. commissioned the investigation.
