• Loading stock data...
Friday, September 5, 2025
Fox Analyst and Media Entrepreneur Greg Olsen to Speak at Tuned In Get your ticket now!

NWSL Commissioner Resigns After Paul Riley, Coaching Scandals

  • NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird has resigned as she faces mounting criticism for not taking complaints of abuse from coaches seriously enough.
  • Two coaches were fired in the last week.
NWSL/Design: Alex Brooks

A series of scandals reverberating through the National Women’s Soccer League has ousted multiple coaches and league commissioner Lisa Baird.

The league announced on Friday that Baird had resigned and that five games had been canceled. 

Baird faced mounting criticism for pushing aside complaints of sexual coercion and other abuses from coaches.

  • North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley was fired on Thursday following a report from The Athletic that he had coerced players into having sex with him among other abuses. His coaching license has been suspended by the U.S. Soccer Federation.
  • On Tuesday, the league announced that Washington Spirit coach Richie Burke had been removed and prohibited from working in the NWSL following a harassment investigation. Spirit representatives are currently barred from participating in league governance for failing to handle the situation.
  • Racing Louisville coach Christy Holly and O.L. Reign coach Farid Benstiti were fired during the summer over reports of a toxic work environment (Holly) and inappropriate comments (Benstiti).

The scandals come with NSWL on the rise. Viewership nearly tripled in 2020, with the first and last Challenge Cup matches drawing 572,000 and 653,000 viewers respectively on CBS. 

The NWSL signed three-year media deals in March 2020 with CBS for a reported $4.5 million, and with Amazon-owned Twitch.

Valuations of NWSL and MLS teams, often purchased in tandem, have been increasing. The Orlando Pride and Orlando City SC were bought for up to $450 million in July, and the Houston Dash and Dynamo changed hands in June for a reported $400 million.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Aug 22, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Chicago Stars FC forward Jameese Joseph (8) passes the ball during the first half of a match against the North Carolina Courage at SeatGeek Stadium.

Chicago Stars FC Move to Evanston After 12 Years in Bridgeview

Stadium plans beyond the 2026 season aren’t solidified. 
Bay FC

Bay FC Set to Break NWSL Attendance Record in San Francisco

NWSL players have often resisted playing at baseball stadiums.
Padraig Harrington is interviewed by the Golf Channel on the 18th green after the final round of the TimberTech Championship at The Old Course at Broken Sound on Sunday, November 5, 2023, in Boca Raton, FL.

From Golf to EPL, Versant Targets Deals After NBCU Split

The USGA’s media-rights extension included NBCU and the spin-off Versant.
Aliyah Boston

Aliyah Boston Is Latest WNBA Player to Invest in NWSL Team

Boston joins a select group that includes Sabrina Ionescu.

Featured Today

Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) gets ready to take the field prior to a game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

How Brazil Game Fits Into NFL’s Plans for World Domination

Friday night’s Chiefs-Chargers game in São Paulo is big by design.
Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.
September 2, 2025

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.
August 30, 2025

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
Valkyries

Valkyries Are Only Latest WNBA Team To Be Displaced in Playoffs

Several important playoff series have been moved over the years.
Walker Cup
September 4, 2025

Prestigious Cypress Point Is Hosting Biggest Golf Event in 35 Years

Fans get a rare glimpse at one of the most exclusive courses.
September 5, 2025

MLB Attendance Is Holding Steady, but Gap Widens Between Teams

Recent attendance data varies widely from market to market.
Sponsored

Trailblazer Cal Calamia Is Racing for ‘Advocacy, Storytelling, and Performance’

The marathoner wants excellence—not just inclusion—to be the goal for non-binary athletes.
September 4, 2025

NBA Hopes Global Format Can Revive 2026 All-Star Game

A new, globally themed format is in development for the midseason showcase.
September 3, 2025

Scheffler, McIlroy, but No LIV at Trump Jupiter Made-for-TV Showcase

The eight-player team showcase will take place Dec. 17 in primetime.
Caitlin Clark
September 3, 2025

Podcast Deletes Episode With Big3 Announcer’s Claim of $15M Caitlin Clark Offer

Clark’s WNBA contract was less than $80,000 in her first season.
September 3, 2025

Barcelona, AC Milan Abroad? Fan Groups Reject Travel Plans

Supporter groups warn of a “Pandora’s box” if overseas games happen.