NWSL Builds Advisory Board To Guide Future Decisions, Enhance Women’s Game
Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 05:09PM By Barry Janoff
November 6, 2025: The NWSL today unveiled the formation of an advisory board intended to “accelerate the league’s growth, deepen its cultural impact and shape the future of the women’s game.”
It will be led by commissioner Jessica Berman and populated by a collective of investors, cultural leaders, and soccer legends.
Inaugural Advisory Board members include Alex Morgan, Brandi Chastain, Sue Bird, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Eli Manning, Ken Griffey Jr., Lindsey Vonn and Brittany Mahomes. (See full list below.)
Beginning in 2026, the Advisory Board will convene bi-annually to “identify bold opportunities for growth, storytelling, and innovation.”
NWSL clubs are represented by up to two delegates, all of whom are current investors in NWSL clubs.
According to NWSL, “Together, they’ll help the league unlock new opportunities for partnership, expand fan reach, and strengthen its position as both a premier professional league and a powerful cultural platform.
“Working alongside existing ownership and leadership groups, the Board will help fuel collaboration and creativity across the NWSL ecosystem.”
The NWSL said it would work with Rich Kleiman and sports, media and entertainment brand Boardroom — co-founded by Kleiman and Kevin Durant — to program an inaugural summit in Spring 2026.
“When we looked across our clubs’ investor base, we realized how fortunate we are to have such an extraordinary group of cultural icons, athletes, and leaders who believe — and have invested — in the power and potential of this league,” Berman said via the league.
“Their experience and influence will be instrumental as we continue building not just a league, but a movement— one that redefines entertainment and what’s possible in sports.”
The move comes as the league, which began play in 2013, is experiencing growth — the league expanded from 12 to 14 teams in 2024 and will add two more clubs in 2026 — from but also facing challenges.
Regular season average attendance in 2025 dropped by 5% to 10,669 vs. 2024 when it averaged 11,235.
Although seven of the 12 teams that have been in the league for more than two seasons drew larger crowds in 2025 than they did in 2023 — led by the Portland Thorns with an average attendance of 18,173 — others saw significant declines.
Jessica BermanThe San Diego Wave saw a 26% drop in attendance from 2024 and a 35% drop from 2023. Also down vs. 2024 were the Chicago Stars (22%), Angel City (16%), Utah Royals (16%) and Racing Louisville (15%).
“As players, we’ve seen firsthand how much the NWSL has grown and how much potential still lies ahead,” said Alex Morgan, soccer icon, Board Member and Investor, San Diego Wave, who retied from active play in 2024, said via the league.
“What makes this Advisory Board so special is that it brings together people who share our belief in what women’s soccer can be — not just as a sport, but as a movement. I’m proud to be part of helping shape the next chapter for the league, the players, and the fans who make it all possible.”
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)
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