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Jeff Kassouf
SAN JOSE, Calif. — On Thursday, the NWSL announced that Commissioner Jessica Berman has received a multi-year extension in her role.
This announcement comes just two days before the 12th NWSL Championship game.
“Leading the NWSL during such a pivotal time of growth has been an incredible honor,” Berman stated during a press conference.
“Every achievement we’ve celebrated—from expansion and investment to enhancing the player experience—has stemmed from collaboration throughout the league. I’m proud of our accomplishments and am even more eager for what lies ahead. The best is yet to come.”
Earlier reports from ESPN indicated that Berman’s new contract will extend through the 2028 NWSL season.
Berman assumed the role in 2022 during a tumultuous period for the league, following a series of investigations into “systemic” abuse within the organization.
“Our primary goals over the next three years include enhancing growth and visibility,” Berman remarked about the league’s future during a recent quarterfinal match.
“We want fans to fill our stadiums each week, expecting the same lively atmosphere we experienced here today in Washington, D.C. We aim for our games to be enjoyable to watch on TV, showcasing the best talent on the field, as we work towards our vision of becoming the premier league globally.”
This past year, the NWSL’s board of governors, made up of team ownership groups, deliberated extensively on how to proceed with renewing Berman’s initial contract, which was set to expire before the start of the 2026 season.
The league’s executive committee ultimately conducted the final negotiations, leading to this extension.
“Jessica’s leadership has been crucial in transforming the NWSL into a prominent global sports entity,” said Carolyn Tisch Blodget, owner of Gotham FC and chair of the NWSL executive committee.
“Her vision for sustainable growth, coupled with her capacity to maintain lasting momentum, has set the league on a path to long-term success.”
Under Berman’s leadership, the NWSL has seen remarkable commercial growth, including a $240 million media rights agreement, ongoing league expansion, and a significant rise in team valuations from approximately $5 million to over $250 million in just a few years.
The league office has also expanded considerably, attracting new major sponsors.
Additionally, the league ratified a new collective bargaining agreement last year and has implemented extensive reforms to enhance player safety in the wake of a systemic abuse scandal that occurred prior to Berman’s tenure, resulting in the resignation of her predecessor, Lisa Baird, in 2021.
Nonetheless, various challenges remain, particularly regarding player safety decisions, including the league’s response to the on-field incident involving Angel City FC defender Savy King in May, as well as disputes between Berman and team owners concerning the decision to hold a game in extreme heat in Kansas City this August.
Various general managers have voiced concerns about the league’s trajectory, both on and off the field, particularly regarding its capacity to attract and retain premier talent, in light of findings from ESPN’s anonymous GM survey.
The NWSL recently lost U.S. national team players Alyssa Thompson and Naomi Girma to Chelsea earlier this year. Additionally, Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman could also leave due to the league’s salary cap limitations.
“There’s a strong emphasis on the commercial aspect while the sporting dimensions are receiving less attention,” one GM commented to ESPN regarding Berman’s leadership. “For the commercial side to continue flourishing, we need to ensure the quality on the field is of the highest standard.”