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Jeff Kassouf
Among the members of the NWSL’s newly formed advisory board are Alex Morgan, Sue Bird, and Eli Manning, who are tasked with enhancing the league’s commercial growth.
All board members are current investors in an NWSL team, with each of the 16 franchises having up to two representatives. The group is headed by NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman.
Starting next year, the advisory board will meet twice a year to explore new opportunities for growth, storytelling, and innovation, as announced by the league. This comes shortly after Berman received a three-year contract extension.
“As players, we’ve observed the remarkable growth of the NWSL, with even more potential ahead,” stated Morgan, a two-time World Cup champion and investor in San Diego Wave FC. “What makes this Advisory Board unique is the unity of individuals who believe in the future of women’s soccer — not only as a sport but as a movement. I am honored to help shape the league’s next chapter for the players and fans who make it all happen.”
Bird and Manning represent Gotham FC on the advisory board. Other notable members include actress Elizabeth Banks (Boston Legacy FC), Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn (Utah Royals), and NBA legend Magic Johnson (Washington Spirit).
The specific authority of the advisory board remains uncertain. The NWSL’s Board of Governors, which includes representatives from each team alongside Berman, oversees all important league decisions. According to a league statement, the advisory board will collaborate with existing ownership and leadership to enhance cooperation and creativity throughout the NWSL ecosystem.
As is common in professional sports, NWSL owners have differing views on how to advance the league, and they do not always reach consensus on key issues, including Berman’s recent contract renewal, according to previous reports.
“Upon examining our clubs’ investor base, we recognized how fortunate we are to enlist such a remarkable assembly of cultural leaders, athletes, and visionaries who not only believe in our league’s potential, but have actively invested in it,” Berman expressed in a statement. “Their insights and influence will be crucial as we strive to build not just a league, but a movement that redefines entertainment and possibilities in sports.”
Inaugural Advisory Board members include:
● Chris Paul (Angel City FC)
● Julie Foudy (Angel City FC)
● Brandi Chastain (Bay FC)
● Sabrina Ionescu (Bay FC)
● Elizabeth Banks (Boston Legacy FC)
● Aly Raisman (Boston Legacy FC)
● Jordan Angeli (Denver Summit FC)
● Brittany Mahomes (Kansas City Current)
● Sue Bird (Gotham FC)
● Eli Manning (Gotham FC)
● Lauren Holiday (North Carolina Courage)
● Grant Hill (Orlando Pride)
● Tamia Hill (Orlando Pride)
● Joey Harrington (Portland Thorns FC)
● Bryce Young (Portland Thorns FC)
● Ken Griffey Jr. (Seattle Reign FC)
● Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC)
● Lindsey Vonn (Utah Royals FC)
● Dominique Dawes (Washington Spirit)
● Magic Johnson (Washington Spirit)