NWSL Team Investments Keep Coming In

Washington power players are turning their attention to women’s soccer.

Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of former president Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, and Jenna Bush Hager, the daughter of former president George W. Bush and Laura Bush, are part of a group investing in National Women’s Soccer League team, the Washington Spirit.

The group also includes former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast Dominique Dawes and Spirit assistant coach Briana Scurry — who won two Olympic gold medals and the World Cup as a goalkeeper for the U.S. women’s team.

“Our investor group reflects DC’s political roots, sports legacy, international reach, and thriving business and technology community,” Devin Talbott, an entrepreneur in the group, said in a release. “We share a common vision and committed purpose to elevate women’s soccer.” 

The NWSL’s popularity with investors has grown in recent months.

• Naomi Osaka was announced as an owner of the North Carolina Courage in January.
• Serena Williams, Mia Hamm and actor Natalie Portman are part of the ownership group bringing the new Angel City FC team to Los Angeles. 
• Brittany Matthews, fitness entrepreneur and the fiancee of Patrick Mahomes, is part of the group bringing a NWSL team to Kansas City.

Last year, in the first year of the league’s new broadcast deal with CBS, NWSL viewership grew 500% year-over-year, peaking with a league-record 653,000 viewers for the Challenge Cup final in July.