October 13 – In a league that has endured its fair share of ups and downs, the resigning of Jessica Berman’s (pictured) three-year contract extension as National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) commissioner represents recognition of the league’s steady economic growth, while also keeping faith in Berman’s ability to navigate choppy waters.
The decision, confirmed by multiple sources, keeps Berman in charge through the 2028 season.
Berman joined the league in 2022 after a period of governance crisis within the NWSL. Recently, she spoke about her future, saying: “What I can say is that I intend to be here. I joined this league because I believe in the future of women’s sports and professional women’s soccer, and that’s all I can say.”
Under Berman’s leadership, there have been some huge successes, including the league signing a $240 million media rights deal, which has been a driver in club valuations soaring from around $5 million to more than a reported $250 million in some cases.
She also helped secure a collective bargaining agreement, which dramatically changed player welfare following the systemic abuse scandal that forced her predecessor, Lisa Baird, to resign.
However, not everyone at NWSL HQ was 100% behind Berman as the board was reportedly divided over the extension, with debate centering on how the league can compete globally while keeping finances in order (a familiar theme in US professional soccer).
With Europe’s top clubs continuing to poach the world’s best players with mega-salaries, the NWSL is constrained by its salary cap, which expires in 2030.
Along with the financial growth questions, Berman has also received flak for her handling of Angel City’s Savy King collapse on the field and clashing with club owners over heat-related policies.
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