NWSL names former NLL, NHL executive Jessica Berman commissioner

The National Women’s Soccer League named Jessica Berman its next commissioner, the league announced Wednesday. 

Berman will oversee all operations of the league and begin her four-year term on April 20.  She spent the past two years as deputy commissioner and executive vice president of business affairs of the National Lacrosse League and prior to that spent more than a decade at the National Hockey League in various roles. 

“I’m honored to be the next commissioner of the NWSL and grateful to the owners for their confidence in me,” said Berman. “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, and I am grateful for Marla Messing’s leadership in getting that done.”

The league started its search in October when previous commissioner Lisa Baird and NWSL general counsel Lisa Levine resigned amid reports that several players accused former North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley of sexual coercion and Washington Spirit coach was fired Richie Burke after allegations of verbal and emotional abuse.

The league agreed to eight demands from the players association, including a mandate that all personnel take part in the union's investigation of sexual misconduct, with total transparency when it comes to other investigations. The agreement also included the union's participation in selecting the next commissioner.