Portman group will bring NWSL to Los Angeles in 2022
Actress Natalie Portman and venture capitalist Kara Nortman lead a group that will bring an expansion National Women's Soccer League team to the Los Angeles area in 2022. Portman and Nortman are joined by gaming entrepreneur Julie Uhrman, the cornsortium's president in the majority-female group. Then she and Nortman met Becca Roux, the executive director of the U.S. Women's National Team Players Association. The women also reached out to a local supporters group that has been campaigning to bring a team to Los Angeles. The group is partnering with the LA84 Foundation, a nonprofit formed after the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics that promotes youth sports.
New league attracts softball's best, gives power to players
Hayward is one of the 56 elite players signed to suit up when Athletes Unlimited launches the first of its professional women's sports leagues in late August. Athletes Unlimited gives players a big say in decisions the league makes, whether it's the uniform colors or TV deals. Theyre amazing athletes," said Jon Patricof, co-founder and CEO of Athletes Unlimited. A lot of what were trying to do is bring in onscreen graphics, miking up of players, Patricof said. A big point of emphasis for Athletes Unlimited is building the players brand.