The National Women’s Soccer League named Jessica Berman as its next commissioner on Wednesday.
She will begin her four-year term on April 20.
Berman will be in charge of overseeing all league operations. Her focus will be “on supporting players on and off the pitch, working with NWSL clubs to continue to build on the positive momentum of the league’s growing audience, and collaborating with NWSL partners to create the most engaging and entertaining fan experience,” the league said in a news release.
Berman most recently spent 2 1/2 years as the deputy commissioner and executive vice president of business affairs at the National Lacrosse League. Prior to that, she worked with the National Hockey League for 13 years, first as vice president and deputy general counsel before becoming vice president of community development, culture and growth and executive director of the NHL Foundation.
“I’m honored to be the next commissioner of the NWSL and grateful to the owners for their confidence in me,” Berman said. “Working on behalf of, and in partnership with, our players is my number one priority. Having been involved in professional sports for many years, I know how critically important a genuine partnership with players is for us all to be successful and continue to grow. The successful conclusion of the league’s first-ever CBA with our players is the perfect foundation from which to build that partnership.”
The 12-team NWSL had been without a permanent commissioner since the Oct. 1 resignation of Lisa Baird, who left the role in the wake of allegations that she failed to properly investigate allegations of sexual misconduct and other abusive behavior by league coaches.
–Field Level Media
