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Boardroom is a sports, media and entertainment brand co-founded by Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman and focused on the intersection of sports and entertainment. Boardroom’s flagship media arm features premium video/audio, editorial, daily and weekly newsletters, showcasing how athletes, executives, musicians and creators are moving the business world forward. Boardroom’s ecosystem encompasses B2B events and experiences (such as its renowned NBA and WNBA All-Star events) as well as ticketed conferences such as Game Plan in partnership with CNBC. Our advisory arm serves to consult and connect athletes, brands and executives with our broader network and initiatives.

Recent film and TV projects also under the Boardroom umbrella include the Academy Award-winning Two Distant Strangers (Netflix), the critically acclaimed scripted series SWAGGER (Apple TV+) and Emmy-nominated documentary NYC Point Gods (Showtime).

Boardroom’s sister company, Boardroom Sports Holdings, features investments in emerging sports teams and leagues, including the Major League Pickleball team, the Brooklyn Aces, NWSL champions Gotham FC, and MLS’ Philadelphia Union.

All Rights Reserved. 2022.
Execs & Entrepreneurs December 15, 2023
Vinciane Ngomsi
Vinciane Ngomsi

NWSL Owners: The Biggest Names To Buy In

Natalie Portman walks the pink carpet ahead of a game between NJ/NY Gotham FC and Angel City FC at BMO Stadium on March 26, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
From Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman to Patrick Mahomes and Naomi Osaka, the NWSL has no shortage of star owners.

The NWSL has experienced monumental growth over the last year, and that extends to the ranks of club owners. Amid expansion and a landmark broadcast deal with CBS Sports, ESPN, Prime Video, and Scripps Sports, there are plenty of reasons entrepreneurs are buying into the league.

Across the NWSL, there are a multitude of superstar owners who have contributed to select expansion clubs as investors. This isn’t limited to athletes, either. While pros in one sport turning to support another is common, even more famous faces — from Hollywood to tech — have backed teams.

There are 14 NWSL clubs at the moment, with the Utah Royals and Bay FC scheduled to begin their inaugural seasons in 2024. Ahead of that, let’s review five franchises with the most notable owners.

NWSL Clubs With Notable Owners

Angel City FC

Several former women’s professional soccer players are investors in Angel City, including Julie Foudy, Mia Hamm, Rachel Van Hollebeke, Shannon Boxx, Amanda Cromwell, Lorrie Fair, Ronnie Fair, Joy Fawcett, Angela Hucles, Shannon MacMillan, Tisha Venturini, Saskia Webber, Lauren Holiday, and Abby Wambach.

Additional owners include:

  • Natalie Portman
  • Jennifer Garner
  • Jessica Chastain
  • Serena Williams & Alexis Ohanian Jr.
  • Billie Jean King
  • America Ferrera
  • Candace Parker
  • Matthew and Kelly Stafford
  • P.K. Subban
  • Christina Aguilera
  • Gabrielle Union & Kaavia Wade
  • Becky G

*This is a non-exhaustive list. For full ownership details, visit Angel City FC’s website.

How Angel City FC Is Reimagining Ownership
Everything is possible in Angel City. Boardroom sat down with key figures behind the NWSL club’s innovative and unprecedented business model.
Check it out!

NJ/NY Gotham FC

  • Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman’s 35V
  • Carli Lloyd
  • Sue Bird
  • Eli Manning
  • Carolyn Tisch Blodgett

Bay FC (2024)

  • Rick Welts
  • Sheryl Sandberg
  • Brandi Chastain
  • Aly Wagner
  • Danielle Slaton
  • Leslie Osborne
  • Andre Iguodala

North Carolina Courage

  • Naomi Osaka
  • Ons Jabeur

Washington Spirit

  • Jenna Bush Hager
  • Chelsea Clinton
  • Brianna Scurry
  • Dominique Dawes

Kansas City Current

  • Brittany and Patrick Mahomes
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Vinciane Ngomsi

Vinciane Ngomsi is a Staff Writer at Boardroom. She began her career in sports journalism with bylines at SB Nation, USA Today, and most recently Yahoo. She received a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Truman State University, and when she's not watching old clips of Serena Williams' best matches, she is likely perfecting her signature chocolate chip cookie recipe or preparing a traditional Cameroonian meal.