Following the suspension of Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) in late 2011, it was announced that former Philadelphia Independence coach Paul Riley would lead the New York Fury comprising players he called the "WPS Supergroup".

[1] In March 2012, the team joined the WPSL Elite competing against three teams who previously played in the WPS: Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, and Western New York Flash.

Many of the Fury players went on to play on teams within the league during its inaugural season.

[4] Riley was named head coach of the Portland Thorns in 2014 and recruited many of his former players.

[5] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.