The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has established its first-ever Business Advisory Board, composed of high-profile investors from various teams. This initiative aims to explore new business opportunities and broaden the league’s reach across the United States. Under the leadership of Jessica Berman, NWSL commissioner, the board features an impressive lineup of cultural icons and athletes committed to the growth of women’s soccer.
The advisory board includes notable members such as Chris Paul and Julie Foudy from Angel City FC, Brandi Chastain and Sabrina Ionescu from Bay FC, and Magic Johnson from Washington Spirit, among others. This diverse group is expected to leverage their experience and influence to enhance the league’s development. Berman expressed her excitement about the board’s formation, stating, “When we looked across our Clubs’ investor base, we realized how fortunate we are to have such an extraordinary group of cultural icons, athletes, and leaders who believe – and have invested – in the power and potential of this league.”
Founded in 2012 and launching its first season in 2013, the NWSL has grown to encompass 16 clubs from San Diego to Boston. The league’s season runs from March through November, and it has benefited from a surge in investment, attendance, and television viewership for women’s sports in recent years. Berman hopes that the collective expertise of the advisory board will stimulate business development and other strategic initiatives.
Key Initiatives and Collaborative Efforts
The board plans to convene twice a year, involving team owners, staff, and players to discuss shared challenges and opportunities. The NWSL will collaborate with Boardroom, a media and events firm co-founded by NBA star Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman, to host its inaugural summit in the spring of 2024. This gathering is anticipated to provide a platform for sharing insights and fostering partnerships.
The presence of prominent male athletes on the board sends a powerful message about inclusivity in sports. Eli Manning, a celebrated NFL quarterback and investor in Gotham FC, remarked, “The NWSL is one of the most exciting leagues in sports today, with growth that rivals anything we’ve seen before. I’m honored to be part of this Advisory Board and to help continue building a league that inspires communities, empowers women, and sets the standard for excellence on and off the field.”
A Movement Beyond the Game
The NWSL is not merely a sports league; it is a movement aimed at redefining the landscape of women’s athletics. Elizabeth Banks, an investor in Boston Legacy FC, stated, “Women’s sports are rewriting the rules of what’s possible — and the NWSL is leading that charge.” She emphasized the league’s potential to showcase incredible athletes and stories, encouraging future generations to view women’s sports as the norm rather than the exception.
Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Cup winner Alex Morgan, who retired last year after a successful 15-year professional career, also shared her thoughts. “As players, we’ve seen firsthand how much the NWSL has grown and how much potential still lies ahead,” Morgan said. “What makes this Advisory Board so special is that it brings together people who share our belief in what women’s soccer can be — not just as a sport, but as a movement.”
The NWSL’s ambitious strategy reflects a broader trend in women’s sports, where increased visibility and support are leading to substantive progress. With this new advisory board, the league is poised to capitalize on its growing popularity and further its mission of empowering women in sports.
