National Women’s Soccer League 2013-2022: Building Strength While Navigating Multiple Systemic Challenges in Women’s Professional Sports
2023
| Case No.
E816
| Length
33 pgs.
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) was one of the fastest-growing professional sports leagues in the world. But in 2023, the league was also at an inflection point: an independent investigator released a report about lapses in player health and safety across multiple NWSL clubs.
This case outlines the history of women’s professional soccer leagues in the United States and examines why the NWSL has proven to be the most successful. The case also explores both the opportunity and challenges for the NWSL as it seeks to become a cultural mainstay in the American sports lexicon.
Learning Objective
The learning objectives of this case are:
- Understand the history of women’s professional soccer leagues in the United States and the factors required for success in a growth league
- Outline the decision points for commissioner Jessica Berman as she seeks to grow the league’s footprint
- Identify and evaluate NWSL revenue streams, both at the club and league level
This material is available for download by current Stanford GSB students, faculty, and staff only. For inquires, contact the
Case Writing Office.
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