NWSL Growth and Investment: Carolyn Tisch Blodgett on Women's Sports Business

The Rise of Women's Sports Investment

• 💡 Rising tides lift all boats is the philosophy driving increased investment in women's sports, a significant shift from just two years ago when 99% of sports investments favored men's teams.
• 🚀 New owners are entering leagues like the NWSL and WNBA, signaling a real shift in the sports investment landscape.

Navigating Player Competition and Retention

• ⚠️ While competition for top talent is increasing, with some players moving to European leagues, it's seen as a natural evolution of a global game.
• 🔑 Gotham FC's strategy for retaining players focuses on competitive advantages beyond just salary, emphasizing best-in-class coaching, medical investment, and mental health support.
• 🌟 The league aims to make Gotham the best place for players to get better, leveraging investments in performance coaching and medical directors.

The Power of Stars in Driving Viewership

• 🎯 Stars drive viewership and casual fandom, a strategy honed from marketing roles at Peloton.
• 🤝 Gotham FC actively works to help players, including stars like Jane Shaw and Emily Sonnet, and emerging talents like Jaylen Howell, build their personal brands.
• 📈 The NWSL has an opportunity to bridge the gap between national team fandom (e.g., Olympic viewership) and league-specific support by leveraging players who also represent national teams.

Sustainable Growth and Owner Commitment

• 💰 The business of the NWSL has seen explosive growth, with expansion fees rising from $2 million in 2019 to $165 million for a new Atlanta team.
• 🤝 The league benefits from a strong cohort of committed owners from diverse sports backgrounds (NFL, NBA, MLS, European leagues) who are focused on sustainable growth and long-term investment.
• 🌱 The focus is on building leagues and sports that develop talent from the grassroots up, with an eye on emerging leagues and youth sports.