The Formation of the Advisory Board
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has announced the formation of a new advisory board designed to enhance the commercial viability of the league. This board boasts an impressive lineup of well-known personalities including athletes Alex Morgan, Sue Bird, and Eli Manning, each of whom is already an investor in one of the league’s 16 teams. The board will hold its strategic meetings bi-annually, focusing on innovative growth and storytelling opportunities within women’s soccer, as disclosed by NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman.
Leadership and Vision
Berman’s recent extension of her three-year contract has added to the anticipation surrounding the league’s future, particularly in how it might leverage this advisory group for broader community engagement and collaboration. Morgan, a standout player with two World Cup victories under her belt and an investor in the San Diego Wave FC, underscored the advisory board’s significance, stating:
“As players, we’ve witnessed the remarkable expansion of the NWSL and the immense potential that lies ahead. This board brings together individuals united by a vision for women’s soccer that extends beyond the field, transforming it into a meaningful movement.”
Notable Members and Their Contributions
Bird and Manning will represent Gotham FC, while other notable board members include actress Elizabeth Banks from Boston Legacy FC and Olympic skiing champion Lindsey Vonn, who is involved with the Utah Royals. Also on the board are basketball legend Magic Johnson, who supports the Washington Spirit, and a diverse collection of celebrity athletes and cultural figures, illustrating a broad investment in the NWSL’s mission.
Future Directions and Collaboration
While the specific influence of the advisory group remains to be defined, it is expected to work in tandem with the NWSL’s Board of Governors—comprised of team representatives and Berman—to foster ideas while encouraging collaboration across the league. There are often divergent views among franchise owners regarding the future direction of the league, as noted by sources familiar with league dynamics.
Berman expressed her enthusiasm for the expertise the new advisors bring, recognizing the unique blend of cultural leaders and athletes united in their commitment to the league’s growth. She stated:
“Their experiences and insights will be vital in not just creating a league but in nurturing a movement that reshapes entertainment and sports.”
Inaugural Members
The inaugural members of the advisory board include notable figures such as Chris Paul, Julie Foudy, Brandi Chastain, and many others, each contributing to a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds that promise to elevate women’s soccer within and beyond the NWSL.
