Jessica Berman Secures Multi-Year Extension as NWSL Commissioner

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced on Thursday that Commissioner Jessica Berman has been granted a multi-year extension to continue in her role.

This confirmation arrives just two days before the 12th NWSL Championship game. In a news conference, Berman expressed her gratitude, stating, “It has been the honor of my career to lead the NWSL during such an extraordinary period of growth.”

“Every success we’ve achieved, from expansion to investment to the player experience, is the result of collaboration across this league. I am proud of what we’ve built and even more excited about where we are headed. The best is yet to come,” she added.

ESPN reported that Berman’s new contract will extend through the 2028 NWSL season. She first assumed the role in 2022 during a tumultuous period for the league, following significant investigations into systemic abuses.

Berman highlighted key priorities for the league over the next three years, mentioning, “We want people to come into our stadiums and expect the level of energy we have here today [in Washington, D.C.] every week for every regular-season game in all 16 markets. We aim to ensure that our games are exciting to watch on television while delivering the best product on the field, supporting our vision to be the best league in the world.”

Earlier this year, the NWSL’s board of governors deliberated extensively on the renewal of Berman’s original contract, which was set to expire before the start of the 2026 season. The league’s four-person executive committee ultimately facilitated the negotiations that led to this extension.

“Jessica’s leadership has been instrumental in transforming the NWSL into a global sports property,” stated Carolyn Tisch Blodget, Gotham FC owner and chair of the NWSL executive committee. “Her vision for sustainable growth, along with her ability to generate enduring momentum, has positioned the league for long-term success.”

Under Berman’s leadership, the NWSL has seen remarkable commercial growth, including a $240 million media rights deal and rising team valuations, which have surged from approximately $5 million to over $250 million in just a few years. The league office has also expanded significantly, attracting new major sponsors.

Additionally, the NWSL ratified a new collective bargaining agreement last year and implemented substantial reforms aimed at improving player safety following a scandal that predated Berman’s appointment, resulting in the resignation of her predecessor, Lisa Baird, in 2021.

However, challenges remain, particularly regarding player safety decisions. Instances such as the on-field collapse of Angel City FC defender Savy King in May and disputes over game conditions in extreme heat have raised concerns. As expressed in an anonymous survey conducted by ESPN among general managers, there is a growing apprehension about the league’s competitive direction and its ability to attract and retain top talent.

This year, the NWSL lost U.S. national team stars Alyssa Thompson and Naomi Girma to Chelsea, and Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman may soon depart due to the league’s salary cap restrictions.

One general manager noted, “There is a tremendous amount of focus on the commercial side and less focus on the sporting side. If we want the commercial piece to continue to excel, we need the best product on the field.”