U.S. Soccer unveils the Arthur M. Blank Crest Cup for women's clubs

U.S. Soccer wants one national club champion for women's soccer. On Wednesday it put a name and a prize pool on that idea.

The federation announced the Arthur M. Blank Crest Cup a single-elimination tournament meant to bring women's clubs from across the country onto one stage. The launch date will be set after talks with leagues and other stakeholders.

A record purse and a CONCACAF path

The competition including the final will award a prize pool of more than $1.5 million. Organizers say the Crest Cup will also serve as a pathway into the Concacaf W Champions Cup.

"Women's soccer continues to be one of the most dynamic and inspiring forces in sport," U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone said. She said the cup should attract investment and keep excellence and opportunity at the center of the women's game.

Blank's backing

CEO JT Batson thanked Arthur M. Blank and said the cup is about more than crowning a champion. He said it should create moments for players and fans and push women's professional soccer into new communities.

Blank said soccer brings people together and that a new stage for the best clubs and athletes will expand opportunity. His family foundation and associates are backing the effort with U.S. Soccer.