Alex Morgan Reflects on Retirement and Future Ventures
DEL MAR, California – A year after her emotional announcement of retirement due to pregnancy, Alex Morgan reflected on her feelings of despair and determination during an exclusive interview with ESPN. The renowned U.S. women’s soccer star and two-time World Cup champion concluded her athletic career abruptly, yet she had already been laying the foundation for her future in business for several years.
Legacy in Women’s Soccer
Morgan was a defining figure in women’s soccer and gained international recognition, eclipsing sports boundaries through partnerships with major brands like Coca-Cola and Nike, and even appeared in commercial spots alongside LeBron James. Her influence was recognized broadly, including her unique custom Barbie doll. However, Morgan also witnessed the disparity in the treatment of female athletes, who often faced insufficient media attention and unlivable salaries when the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) was established in 2013.
Business Ventures and Investments
Today, she holds a minority ownership stake in the San Diego Wave FC, the last club she played for, and is involved in multiple ventures, such as the recently established 3-on-3 women’s basketball league, Unrivaled. Alongside her fellow elite athletes like Sue Bird and Simone Manuel, she co-founded Togethxr, a content platform aimed at increasing the visibility and support for women athletes.
Morgan expressed that this proactive approach over the past several years allowed her to feel prepared for life after soccer.
“I had so many different things in motion… it wasn’t like figuring the next thing out as one door closed and another opened,”
she stated, highlighting her simultaneous ventures that have fulfilled her entrepreneurial ambitions while still being an athlete.
Morgan’s business acumen is attracting attention from investors. Notably, Olivia Walton, founder of Ingeborg Investments, recognized Morgan’s potential at a women’s venture capital conference, seeking to back her vision through investment in Togethxr. Walton pointed out that Morgan applies the same principles to her business pursuits as she did in her competitive career, showcasing a unique understanding of both fields.
The growth of Togethxr has been noteworthy, reporting profitability and reaching a $30 million valuation in recent years. Morgan’s first-hand experience as an athlete lends her voice significant weight among players and industry stakeholders alike, something Walton affirmatively noted, stating that few can command attention in this way.
Balancing Motherhood and Business
While her past focused on scoring goals and winning titles, Morgan’s current life as a mother of two and a businesswoman thrives on balance. Through Trybe Ventures, a firm co-managed with her husband, she has invested in a diverse array of companies, spanning media and technology, including ventures into golf and memorabilia.
Dan Levy, who has represented Morgan since her professional debut, pointed out that successful transitions from engaging athletic careers to entrepreneurial endeavors are rare. Many athletes struggle to focus on both fields simultaneously, but Morgan navigates this complex landscape with relative ease.
Mentorship and Advocacy
Having recently transitioned from athlete to owner with San Diego Wave FC, Morgan is also leveraging her position to mentor aspiring players, providing insight that can aid their development. Following the retiring of her No. 13 jersey in September, younger players like Kennedy Wesley expressed admiration for Morgan’s longstanding impact on women’s soccer.
A staunch advocate for equitable treatment, Morgan played a crucial role in the U.S. women’s national team’s long campaign for equal pay, which they successfully concluded in 2022. Her advocacy extended to significant efforts in the NWSL to address accusations of systemic abuse, resulting in enhanced protections and greater agency for players in the league.
Morgan pointed out recent policy advancements, like the implementation of paid mental health leave—an option not available in earlier years.
“The ability to take a break is new… I have fought for those things both as a player and now as an owner,”
she emphasized, reflecting her commitment to supporting her peers in the league.
Looking Ahead
Her transition from player to a transformative figure in women’s sports culminates in the ethos of Togethxr:
“Everyone Watches Women’s Sports”
. Amid rising popularity and significant investments, Morgan is optimistic about forthcoming ventures in women’s sports, emphasizing an industry on the brink of explosive growth.
“Anyone who’s smart is getting into investing in women’s sports,”
she concluded, underlining her dedication to this evolving landscape.
