Hope Solo’s soccer future is still up in the air, but fans will be able to see her on an upcoming unscripted TV show. As first reported by Deadline, Solo has signed a deal with INvelop Entertainment to host a season of The Cutting Edge.
The Cutting Edge "follows athletes and the risks of sports injuries, and treatment and rehabilitation methods using the most current research." The deal will see Hope also develop and produce the show, a sign of a possible post-playing career. Given her history, success, and willingness to speak out, she would make for a great TV commentator for the game.
Speaking on the deal Solo said, “I am very excited for the opportunity to work with Brant and INvelop Entertainment. He is an industry leader that shares my passion for unique storytelling and together we look forward to delivering content that will resonate with not just sports fans but all viewers.”
And what about playing?
With the NWSL season about two months away this deal calls into question her plans for 2017. She pulled out of the Seattle Reign’s season late in 2016 to get shoulder surgery and get away from the media frenzy over her suspension from the US Women’s National Team.
Even as events unfolded over her last few years of play, US Soccer was happy for her to keep winning matches. Only once the Olympics were over and the US had no meaningful matches for six months did they move to suspend and terminate her contract.
While the team has shared no official news on Hope’s status, they have signed a second goalkeeper to the team for the upcoming season. Given her status in Seattle and history with the club it is unlikely that they or she would agree to a trade. Which leaves the possibilities of retirement or a last minute return and the Reign dealing away a keeper that is in camp now.
She is eligible to return to the USWNT in March, but was not called into the camp for the 2017 SheBelieves Cup. Without a return to league action, a national team return is unlikely.
So while Hope could easily develop and host The Cutting Edge, run her own goalkeeping camps, do TV commentary and retire, that just seems a bit out of character. The most successful women’s keeper of all-time should (and likely will) want to go out on a positive note, rather than a shoulder injury and a weak punishment move from US Soccer.
