US soccer’s elite NWSL has handed a multi-year contract extension to its commissioner, Jessica Berman, that will see her lead the women’s league through the 2028 season.
The new contract, announced ahead of the NWSL Championship game tomorrow between Washington Spirit and Gotham FC, builds on her previous almost-four years in charge of the league after being named to the position in March 2022.
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Under her charge, the NWSL has experienced rapid growth, having secured record-breaking media rights deals, the league’s first and second collective bargaining agreements, skyrocketing club valuations, and new expansion franchises in the Bay Area, Utah, Boston, Denver, and Atlanta, to take it from 12 to 17 clubs.
Fees have also increased in each round of expansion, with Bay FC and Boston Legacy sold for $53 million in 2023, Denver Summit FC for $110 million in 2025, and Atlanta going for $165 million earlier this month.
The NWSL has also seen a 200% increase in league-level partnerships during Berman’s tenure, with high-profile companies such as AT&T, Google Pixel, Amazon, and Adobe signing up as sponsors.
However, she has also courted controversy in 2025 after several public player welfare concerns – stemming from an incident in May when the league elected to resume play to a match after player Savvy King collapsed on the pitch, as well as an August incident where Berman threatened to fine the Kansas City Current for electing to delay a game that took place during a period of intense heat, causing it to miss its broadcast window, after rejecting appeals from both competing teams to restage the match.
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By GlobalDataDespite this, Berman, who boasts experience with the National Hockey League and National Lacrosse League properties, does retain much support.
In a statement, Berman said: “It’s 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’m proud of what we’ve built and even more excited about where we’re headed. The best is yet to come.”
Over the course of her next contract, Berman will look to oversee more growth within the NWSL, including another round of media rights agreements and one more expansion, with the Atlanta franchise due to join the league in 2028.
She will also have to deal with challenges, including the departure of high-profile player Trinity Rodman at the end of the 2025 season, and pressure from players to raise the salary cap to compete with European leagues that have poached top NWSL players.
New owners who have bought into the league at a high price will expect big returns, which in turn, will mean reaching a broader audience to generate revenue.
Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, Gotham FC owner and NWSL executive committee chair, commented: “Jessica's leadership has been instrumental in transforming the NWSL into a global sports property.
“Her vision for sustainable growth, along with her ability to fuel enduring momentum, has positioned the league for long-term success.”
The announcement comes the same day as the NWSL secured outdoor recreation company Yeti as the league’s official cooler and drinkware partner, in a deal that will see the company’s branded coolers, dispensers, and reusable drinkware featured across all league-led matches and major events.
Under the partnership, Yeti will also receive LED field board signage across all matches, including the NWSL playoff and championship, as well as a new social content series showcasing the partnership and athletes.
Yeti will also gain activation spaces at the NWSL championship and Challenge Cup fan festivals, with other activations to be announced ahead of the 2026 season.
Matt Soloff, NWSL senior vice president of partnerships, stated: “We’re thrilled to welcome them into the NWSL family and look forward to creating meaningful integrations that enhance the matchday environment, elevate the fan experience and celebrate the athletes who drive our league forward.”
