Long-Term Growth: NWSL Redefines Marketing Division With New CMO, COO
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 05:53PM By Barry Janoff
Rachel EpsteinApril 1, 2026: In moves intended to enhance the trajectory growth of the league, the NWSL has reconfigured its marketing divisions with new members possessing sports and management experience.
The NWSL said Brian Kelly has joined as COO and Rachel Epstein as CMO, coming “at a key moment of growth for the league, with the 2026 season opening to strong viewership, record attendance and expanding fan engagement,”
Julie Haddon, previous CMO and COO, left the league late last year.
Kelly joins the NWSL beginning today from Top Rank Boxing, where he served as chief revenue officer, leading the company’s revenue strategy across corporate partnerships, sponsorships, media rights, and diversified monetization opportunities.
Prior to Top Rank, Kelly held executive roles at Bleacher Report and Turner Sports, CBS Sports and IGA Worldwide,
“The momentum across the NWSL is clear, from rising attendance and viewership to growing interest from partners and fans alike,” Kelly said via NWSL
“There is a significant opportunity to continue building a best-in-class commercial ecosystem that supports long-term growth for the league and its clubs. I look forward to working alongside Jessica, Rachel and the broader NWSL team to deepen partnerships, unlock new revenue streams and further accelerate the league’s commercial impact.”
Epstein, who begins her role later this month, joins the NWSL from ESPN, where she served as vp-Live Sports and Audience Expansion. She oversaw marketing across a wide portfolio of properties including the WNBA, NWSL, tennis, NCAA Championships, MLB, Formula 1, international soccer and espnW,.
She also also led “enterprise-wide strategy to drive female audience growth through live sports and storytelling."
Prior to ESPN, Epstein was part of the leadership team that launched Women’s Professional Soccer, where she oversaw marketing, events, and sponsorship, bringing early experience building a women’s professional league
“The NWSL is defining the future of sports, with a powerful connection to fans and a rapidly expanding cultural footprint,” said Epstein via NWSL
“The NWSL is defining the future of sports, with a powerful connection to fans and a rapidly expanding cultural footprint."
“Building a brand that resonates across culture, media and community will be critical as the league continues to grow. I look forward to amplifying the stories of this league and its players and deepening the connection with fans around the world
NWSL media partners include CBS, ESPN, ION, Amazon Prime, Victory, FOS, The Gist, Soccer Girl, The Women’sGame, This Skimm, Overtime, SiriusXM, Women's Sports Network and Just Women’s Sport.
The league has expanded this season to 16 clubs with the addition of Boston Legacy and Denver Summit, which March 28 set a pro women’s soccer mark with 63,004 in attendance in Empower Field Mile high Stadium.
More Teams, More Coverage: NWSL Expands Media
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