NWSL Launches Celebrity Advisory Board to Enhance League Growth

The announcement of the NWSL advisory board marks a significant step in the league’s continued growth and commercial expansion. The National Women’s Soccer League has formed a new advisory group led by Commissioner Jessica Berman. This board includes influential figures such as Alex Morgan, Sue Bird, and Eli Manning, all of whom are investors in NWSL clubs.

NWSL Advisory Board and Its Purpose

Each of the 16 league clubs will have up to two representatives on the board. The group will meet twice annually, beginning next year. Its goal is to support the league in areas such as storytelling, innovation, brand value, and strategic growth. The board’s formation follows Berman’s recent three-year contract extension.

Alex Morgan, who is both a two-time World Cup champion and an investor in San Diego Wave FC, expressed excitement about the initiative. She noted that players have directly witnessed the league’s rapid rise. Morgan emphasized that the board brings together individuals who believe in women’s soccer not only as a sport, but also as a cultural movement.

Sue Bird and Eli Manning will represent Gotham FC on the board. They join other well-known investors such as Elizabeth Banks (Boston Legacy FC), Lindsey Vonn (Utah Royals FC), and Magic Johnson (Washington Spirit).

The exact authority of the advisory board has not yet been fully defined. The NWSL Board of Governors, which includes club representatives and Commissioner Berman, still holds responsibility for major league decisions. However, the advisory board is expected to support collaboration and share creative direction with ownership and leadership.

There are differing perspectives among NWSL owners regarding the league’s long-term strategy. These differences have, at times, made agreement on key decisions more complex. Nonetheless, Berman emphasized that the advisory board features individuals whose influence and experience can help strengthen the league’s broader mission.

The 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)

The formation of the NWSL advisory board reflects a continued push to elevate women’s soccer, expand commercial opportunities, and build a lasting cultural movement within the sport.