Leadership Timeline of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Explore the leadership timeline of the National Women’s Soccer League, from its founding in 2013 to today’s reforms under Commissioner Jessica Berman.
Since its launch in 2013, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has undergone a transformation—from a startup supported by U.S. Soccer to an expanding, independently-run league with record attendance and international acclaim.
Here’s a look at the key figures who have led the NWSL and how each era has influenced the league’s identity. 
2013–2014: Cheryl Bailey – Executive Director
- Cheryl Bailey was appointed as the league’s first executive in late 2012.
- Officially titled Executive Director, she led the NWSL during its foundational years under the oversight of U.S. Soccer.
- Bailey helped launch the inaugural season with eight teams and guided the league through its early operational challenges.
- She stepped down in November 2014, shortly after the league’s second season.
Editor’s Note: The title of “commissioner” did not yet exist in the NWSL’s original structure.
2015–2017: Jeff Plush – First Formal Commissioner
- Jeff Plush became the league’s first official Commissioner in January 2015.
- Oversaw key developments:
- The addition of Orlando Pride as an expansion team.
- A landmark broadcast and equity deal with A+E Networks, which included national games on Lifetime and the creation of NWSL Media.
- Plush resigned in March 2017, amid concerns about a lack of transparency.
In 2022, Plush came under scrutiny and reproach after the Yates report accused him of failing to act on abuse allegations during his time with the league—raising questions about the league leadership’s accountability.
2017–2019: Amanda Duffy – President
- Amanda Duffy stepped in as the de facto league head, first as Managing Director and later as President.
- While she never held the title of commissioner, Duffy managed league operations during a crucial transitional period.
- She left the NWSL to join Orlando Pride’s front office in early 2020.
2020–2021: Lisa Baird – Commissioner in the Independent Era
- Lisa Baird was appointed Commissioner in March 2020, becoming the first to lead the NWSL under its newly independent structure (no longer governed by U.S. Soccer).
- Her tenure included:
- Launching the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup, the first U.S. team sports event held during COVID-19.
- Growing sponsorship deals and visibility.
- Baird resigned in October 2021 amid widespread backlash for her handling of abuse reports and failure to act on player concerns.
2022–Present: Jessica Berman – Current Commissioner
- A seasoned executive from the NHL and National Lacrosse League, Jessica Berman took over as Commissioner in April 2022.
- She has led the league through a transformative phase:
- Implementing new player safety policies and investigative frameworks.
- Overseeing expansion into new markets such as Bay FC and Utah Royals’ return.
- Securing record-setting media rights deals, sponsorships, and fan engagement numbers.
- Berman has been widely praised for bringing transparency, structure, and renewed credibility to the league.
Looking Ahead
As the NWSL continues to evolve—adding new franchises, setting attendance records, and growing global interest—its leadership remains central to its integrity and future.
From foundational figures like Cheryl Bailey to reformers like Jessica Berman, each phase of NWSL leadership tells part of the league’s larger story: one of resilience, progress, and accountability.
