[WPS] Women's Professional Soccer will move forward with a minimum of six teams, but champion FC Gold Pride has folded, and the Chicago Red Stars have until Dec. 15 to secure funding for the 2011 season.

Atlanta, Boston, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Washington, which was in danger of folding, will return in 2011, while an expansion team in Western New York will begin play in 2011.

“While it is disappointing to the league and its many enthusiastic fans, players, and partners that FC Gold Pride did not find the level of support it aimed for in its market, the continuing WPS teams have fully committed to the 2011 WPS season,” said WPS CEO Anne-Marie Eileraas. “These past few weeks have been critical to ensuring the long-term health of the league, and we are pleased to be moving forward today with these six committed teams for the 2011 season. We are hopeful that Chicago will also join those teams for 2011.”

FC Gold Pride is the third team to fold since February. The Los Los Angeles didn't return for a second season, and the St. Louis Athletica folded during the 2010 season.

U.S. national team star Shannon Boxx was a member of all three teams. Brazilian superstar Marta played for the Sol and FC Gold Pride.

Gold Pride players will become free agents.