How High-Profile Investors Are Fueling Gotham FC’s Rise in the NWSL

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has experienced a significant financial transformation in recent years, fueled by an influx of celebrity and billionaire investors. To establish itself as a sustainable and respected professional league—unlike previous failed women’s sports leagues in the U.S.—the NWSL requires deep investment and strategic engagement. High-profile investors are not only injecting capital into the league but also leveraging their platforms to expand the league’s visibility and attract new fans. 

Celebrity and billionaire investors have played a crucial role in this movement. Matthew Stafford and Abby Wambach are investors in Angel City FC, James Harden is an investor in the Houston Dash, Naomi Osaka is part of North Carolina Courage’s investor group, and Magic Johnson recently joined the Washington Spirit’s investment team. These figures bring more than just financial resources—they also attract attention from their own massive fan bases, broadening the league’s reach. Gotham FC has actively embraced this trend, using investment as a tool to strengthen its financial standing and brand in the competitive New York City-New Jersey sports market.

Gotham FC has expanded beyond relying solely on on-field star power, strategically recruiting high-profile owners and investors with deep financial resources, sports industry expertise and name recognition. One key addition is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, former head of global marketing at Peloton and current founder and CEO of Next 3, as an operating owner. As a member of the Tisch family, which owns the New York Giants, Tisch Blodgett brings valuable sports business experience and local connections that could help Gotham expand its audience and revenue potential. She has publicly expressed her commitment to making Gotham one of the best women’s soccer clubs in both the U.S. and the world. 

Tammy Murphy and Carolyn Tisch Blodgett photo by Gotham FC

Gotham’s investment group also includes several well-known sports figures:

• Carli Lloyd — Former USWNT and Gotham FC star

• Kevin Durant — NBA Superstar

• Eli Manning — Former NFL quarterback and New York Giants icon

• Rich Kleiman — Entrepreneur and business partner of Kevin Durant 

• Pete Guelli — Buffalo Bills Chief Operating.Officer  

These investors provide more than just financial backing. Their credibility, influence, and public recognition help Gotham attract sponsors, media attention, and new supporters. In a market dominated by established sports franchises, aligning with such recognizable names positions Gotham as a major player in the NWSL’s evolving landscape. 

The recent surge in investment across the NWSL has already yielded visible results. The league has secured lucrative media rights deals, increased merchandise sales, and seen rising attendance figures. This financial growth has allowed the NWSL to pursue aggressive expansion, with Commissioner Jessica Berman recently announcing the league’s plans to grow to 16 teams by 2026. 

For Gotham FC, this influx of investment marks a turning point. Historically, the club has lagged behind some of its competitors in financial rankings, but with the combination of strategic investors, a strong rebrand, and innovative fan engagement efforts, Gotham is well-positioned for sustained growth. If the club continues leveraging its expanding brand, securing key sponsorships and growing its fan base, it could become one of the most valuable and successful franchises in the NWSL.

As the league moves into this next phase of financial and competitive growth, Gotham FC’s investment strategy could serve as a model for other teams looking to attract capital and solidify their place in the evolving landscape of women’s professional soccer. 

Click here for a full list of Gotham FC ownership.