How NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman is Leading the League: An Era of Expansion and Empowerment

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has grown rapidly in recent years. From adding two teams in Los Angeles and San Diego last year to breaking numerous stadium attendance records over the past season and setting plans for expansion next year, the league is on a path of growth, unlike any other sport. 

Jessica Berman, NWSL Commissioner, is a key part of this. After working for the National Hockey League and the National Lacrosse League, where she spearheaded business and legal affairs, Berman was named NWSL Commissioner in April 2022. With the NWSL, Berman’s vision and efforts have not only led to the exponential growth of the league but have also raised the bar for women’s sports leagues across the nation and abroad. 

Last week, Jessica Berman spoke at Sports Business Journal’s Game Changers Conference, an event that delves into how women intersect with sports as athletes, executives, and consumers. The conference features speakers and sessions ranging from investment in women’s sports, the state of women’s sports leagues, and the stories of leaders and athletes. Her session reflected on the league’s growth but, more importantly, its sights for the future.

Under Jessica Berman’s leadership, the NWSL has seen remarkable expansion. Adding two new teams, Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC showcases her commitment to fostering the league’s growth. 

But it doesn’t stop there; the league recently saw global investment firm Sixth Street support another expansion team, Bay FC. This move isn’t just about sports; it’s about making money. These strategies are about benefiting the league, its investors, the players, and fans. 

Additionally, Berman is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the league. Looking to 2026, the NWSL will now boast another female ownership group with an  expansion team in Boston. Plus, investor and Chicago Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts bought the Chicago Red Stars, making there another team with female ownership. This initiative represents not only a major step forward in women’s sports but also a testament to Berman’s determination to challenge the status quo.

Angel City and San Diego Wave entered the league, breaking attendance records and leading to a higher level of competition around the league; it is only a matter of time before the NWSL’s other teams match them. “People around the league are noticing and elevating their game,” Berman stated. This statement reflects the heightened interest and investment in the NWSL. Eight other teams setting attendance records this past season is no small feat. As the NWSL continues to expand in the number of teams, investment, and fans, it’s clear the league is no longer a hidden gem; it’s a business opportunity.

“It is scaling across our league, and it’s our job to keep up with it,” Berman said. She sets the intentional strategy of building the NWSL brand around supporting women while achieving business goals. This balance between empowering women and diversity and commercial success sets a precedent for women’s sports leagues globally. This approach is a testament to the fact that doing good and doing well can happen at the same time. 

As the NWSL approaches the Championship match, Berman spoke ab0ut the league’s goals surrounding the final game. She described how, during her listening tour with players last season, they voiced their goal for primetime coverage. Not only was that achieved, but the Championship match, sponsored by Bud Light, is gearing up to be a marquee event. Singer-songwriter Bishop Briggs will perform, and a fan fair will occur before the match. 

Berman’s dedication to the players’ goals, attracting investment, and promoting diversity is setting the NWSL up for years of growth to come. With expansion and an impressive new media rights deal on the horizon, Berman is leading the league to unprecedented success.

Featured image via Getty Images

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