• Loading stock data...
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Former USWNT Head Coach Jill Ellis Appointed to Topps Board

  • Ellis will help guide the company as it grows its global soccer efforts.
  • Trading card sales have skyrocketed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Former USWNT Head Coach Jill Ellis Appointed to Topps Board
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Former head U.S. Women’s National Team soccer coach Jill Ellis is joining the Topps Company’s Board of Directors, it announced on Oct. 14. 

Ellis, who won back-to-back FIFA Women’s World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019, “will be a guiding force as the company continues to scale its efforts in global football,” Topps — which manufactures collectibles — said. After Dr. Anthony Fauci threw the first pitch at a Washington Nationals game on July 24, Topps created a limited-run card capturing the moment that sold a record-breaking 51,512 units.

“As the winningest coach in United States soccer history, Jill has demonstrated a unique ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, inspire excellence and execute on lofty goals with no margin for error,” Topps owner Michael D. Eisner said in an announcement. “Her skill set, experience and accomplishments in the global business of sport will be of immeasurable value for Topps.”

In addition to Ellis and Eisner, Topps’ Board of Directors includes chairman Andy Redman, president of The Tornante Company; Jim Perry and Scott Pasquini, managing directors at Madison Dearborn Partners; Double E Pictures CEO Eric Eisner; Maria Seferian, general counsel, Hillspire LLC; and Chris Zyda, Mozaic, LLC founder and CEO.

The trading card business has boomed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. On eBay alone, sales of basketball cards increased 130% year-over-year since the beginning of the pandemic into September. Baseball and football cards have also seen an increase, rising 50% and 47%, respectively, according to Sports Collectors Daily.

“Topps products are a source of passion, unlocking creativity for people around the world through a shared love of sport and entertainment,” Ellis said. “I am grateful to Topps for this opportunity and am excited to help the beloved company continue to win in global football and beyond.”

Ellis stepped away from the USWNT in July 2019, just weeks after winning her second World Cup. Since then, she’s served in an ambassador role with U.S. Soccer, working to increase the number of female coaches in the sport. 

News of her appointment to the Topps board comes as Ellis has been rumored to be a preliminary candidate to take over as manager for MLS team D.C. United, which would make her the first female manager in the league’s history. 

Before joining U.S. Soccer full-time in 2008, Ellis was UCLA’s head women’s soccer coach for 12 years, where she led the Bruins to eight national semifinals and six consecutive conference championships. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Bengals Extend Stadium Lease After $350M in Public Funds for Renovation

The Bengals will stay in the 25-year-old stadium through at least 2036.
opinion

ESPN-NFL Deal Still Contends With a Wild Card: Trump’s Approval

Negotiations between the NFL and Disney have been ongoing for four years
Leo Messi
exclusive

MLS Commissioner Don Garber Defends Messi Suspension

Messi was punished for skipping the MLS All-Star Game.

Commanders Seal Stadium Deal As D.C. Approves $1.1B in Funding

The NFL team’s return to its prior home receives key political support.

Featured Today

Coco Gauff at New York Liberty

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Limited Hype
July 27, 2025

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
April 25, 2025

The Former NBA Agent Who Became a Pickleball Deputy Commissioner

Chris Patrick went from representing Jimmy Butler to pickleball deputy commissioner.
Apr 10, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; (L-R) Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis, Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8), Ovechkin's wife Nastya, and sons Sergei and Ilya watch a video during a ceremony honoring Ovechkin's becoming the NHL all-time goals leader prior to the Capitals' game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Capital One Arena.
June 12, 2025

Ted Leonsis Says His $7B Sports Empire Beats the NFL Model

Why synergy is the future of sports ownership.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 9, 2009; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons president Joe Dumars during the press conference to introduce their new head coach John Kuester at their practice facility.
April 14, 2025

Joe Dumars Leaving NBA League Office to Run Pelicans

Joe Dumars was the architect of the 2004 champion Pistons.
March 13, 2025

Junior Bridgeman Was the Prototype for Business Success After Sports

He started with Wendy’s franchises, later expanding into bottling, magazines, and more.
Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, US; A$AP Rocky on the sideline after halftime during Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium.
February 27, 2025

A$AP Rocky Could Be Latest Celebrity Owner in English Soccer

Following his acquittal, the rapper is closer to owning Tranmere Rovers.
Oct 23, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat president Pat Riley addresses the crowd during the Pat Riley Court dedication ceremony at halftime at Kaseya Center.
February 14, 2025

Here’s Where Pat Riley’s Three-Peat Trademark Money Goes

Riley has the phrase trademarked despite having no three-peat of his own.