U.S. women’s national team stars Kristine Lilly and Debbie Keller have signed with the USISL’s W-League and will play for the Delaware Genies of the W-1 Division this season. “At our annual meetings last November, our W-1 owners collectively set their sights on signing the best female players in the United States,” said USISL president and W-League commissioner Francisco Marcos. “We are pleased that our owners made the financial commitments necessary to dramatically raise the quality of the W-League.” National team commitments will keep Lilly and Keller away from the team through May, but the pair is expected to join the Genies in time for their June 6 match against Hampton Roads. The W-League has now signed 14 current or former U.S. women’s national team players for the 1998 season
W-League Signings
| Name | W-League Team | Expected Debut |
| Michelle Akers (F/MF) | Tampa Bay Extreme | May 15 vs. Raleigh |
| Robin Confer (F) | Raleigh Wings | June 6 at Columbus |
| Amanda Cromwell (MF) | Tampa Bay Extreme | May 15 vs. Raleigh |
| Tracy Ducar (GK) | Raleigh Wings | June 6 at Columbus |
| Wendy Gebauer (D) | Raleigh Wings | May 15 at Tampa Bay |
| Debbie Keller (F) | Delaware Genies | June 6 vs. Hampton Roads |
| Kristine Lilly (MF) | Delaware Genies | June 6 vs. Hampton Roads |
| Jen Mead (GK) | Boston Renegades | June 13 at Charlotte |
| Natalie Neaton (F) | Denver Diamonds | June 6 at Orlando |
| Carla Overbeck (D) | Raleigh Wings | June 6 at Columbus |
| Christie Pearce (D) | Buffalo Ffillies | June 6 at Long Island |
| Thori Staples (D) | Raleigh Wings | May 15 at Tampa Bay |
| Sara Whalen (D/MF/F) | Long Island Lady Riders | June 6 vs. Buffalo |
| Kim Wyant (GK) | Long Island Lady Riders | May 16 vs. Boston |