NWSL creates star-studded advisory board to guide league’s growth
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 2: Nichelle Prince #8 of the Kansas City Current celebrates with her teammates after scoring the team’s second goal during the NWSL match between the Kansas City Current and the San Diego Wave at CPKC Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo: Amy Kontras/NWSL via Getty Images)
Amy Contras | New | Getty Images
National Women’s Soccer League Commissioner Jessica Berman is using star power to guide the league’s growth.
The NWSL announced Thursday the creation of a star-studded advisory board that will meet biannually to focus on key areas of opportunity related to marketing, branding, fan growth and player initiatives. The group will begin meeting next year.
Professional women’s soccer has experienced rapid growth since Berman took over in 2022. Value of 14 clubs active in the 2025 season about 2 billion dollars Combined according to Forbes. Expansion teams in Boston and Denver will begin play in 2026 and are not included in the rankings.
But the league is looking at its next steps after seeing a 5% drop in attendance for games in the 2025 season. Journal of Sports Business.
The advisory board will consist of up to two delegates from each club, including investors, cultural leaders and sporting legends.
The group includes former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, who is part of the league’s Gotham FC; NBA legends Magic Johnson and Grant Hill, co-owners of the Washington Spirit and Orlando Pride, respectively; and baseball great Ken Griffey Jr., an investor in Seattle Reign FC.
The WNBA’s Sabrina Ionescu (representing the Bay FC ownership group) and former soccer stars Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC), Brandi Chastain (Bay FC) and Julie Foudy (Angel City FC) will also join the group.
“As we looked at our clubs’ investor base, we realized how lucky we are to have such an extraordinary group of cultural icons, athletes and leaders who believe in and invest in the power and potential of this league,” Berman, the 2024 CNBC Changemaker, said in a statement.
“I am honored to be a part of this Advisory Board and help build a union that inspires communities, empowers women, and sets the standard for excellence on and off the field,” Manning said in a statement.
HARRISON, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 16: Eli Manning, minority owner of NJ/NY Gotham FC, watches before the match between NJ/NY Gotham FC and Washington Spirit at Red Bull Arena on September 16, 2023 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Tim Nwachukwu | Getty Images Sports | Getty Images
The NWSL said the group will take part in league campaigns and content collaborations through interviews and social media.
Advisory board members will also partner with existing players to offer career advice and mentoring opportunities and serve as “connectors,” opening the door to brand partnerships, investor interest and cultural integration.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 07: Alex Morgan speaks during the ceremony to retire her No. 13 jersey after the NWSL match between the San Diego Wave and Houston Dash at Snapdragon Stadium on September 07, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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“What makes this Advisory Board so special is that it brings together people who share our belief that women’s football can be a movement, not just a sport. I’m proud to help shape the next chapter of the league, the players and the fans who make it possible,” Morgan said in a statement. he said.
