The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is strategically bolstering its future by forming a new advisory board that includes prominent figures from the world of sports and business. Announced on Thursday, the board's objective is to accelerate the league's growth, expand its partnerships, and solidify its position in the increasingly competitive landscape of women's sports.
Among the notable names joining the advisory board are basketball icon Magic Johnson and retired soccer star Alex Morgan. These individuals, along with other sports legends, bring a wealth of experience and influence that the NWSL hopes to leverage. The board includes up to two investors from each NWSL club. Commissioner Jessica Berman expressed enthusiasm about the new initiative, stating that the league is fortunate to have such an extraordinary group of cultural icons, athletes, and leaders within its clubs' investor base. She believes their combined experience will be instrumental in building not just a league, but a movement.
Other inaugural board members include two-time Super Bowl winner Eli Manning, Olympic ski champion Lindsey Vonn, baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr, and basketball's Sue Bird. Each of these individuals are part of ownership groups from NWSL clubs such as Gotham FC and Utah Royals respectively.
The advisory board will convene bi-annually beginning in 2026 and work alongside existing ownership and leadership groups. The NWSL is also partnering with Boardroom and its co-founder Rich Kleiman to program the inaugural summit in Spring 2026.
The NWSL has been expanding, with new teams like Boston Legacy and Denver Summit set to kick off in 2026. This follows the successful launch of expansion clubs in California, with Angel City and San Diego Wave joining in 2022 and Bay FC in 2024. This growth comes as the league faces increasing competition from established European soccer leagues. The NWSL aims to capitalize on the growing interest in women's sports and create a sustainable and successful future.
Alex Morgan retired last year as one of the most decorated women's soccer players. During her career, she earned 224 caps for the national team and won two World Cups (2015 and 2019) and an Olympic gold medal in 2012. Magic Johnson's involvement further underscores the league's commitment to attracting top-tier talent and expertise to drive its growth. Eli Manning became a minority owner of Gotham FC in 2022, while Bryce Young joined the Thorns' ownership group in 2024.
The creation of this advisory board signifies a proactive step by the NWSL to leverage the knowledge and influence of prominent figures to elevate the league's profile and ensure its continued success. By bringing together leaders from various sectors, the NWSL is creating a collaborative environment that fosters innovation and strategic growth.
