In a remarkable transition from player to influential owner, former US women's football star Lauren Holiday has embarked on an ambitious journey to reshape the landscape of women's sports. After retiring from professional play following her team's 2015 World Cup victory, Holiday faced significant personal challenges, including battling a brain tumor while pregnant. Despite these adversities, she found renewed passion in advocating for women's rights and equality. This led her to invest in Angel City FC and join the board of Mercury/13, a multi-club ownership group dedicated to elevating women's football globally. Her vision is clear: to ensure players are treated with respect and to drive unprecedented investment into the sport.
A New Chapter in Women's Football Advocacy
In the golden autumn of 2023, Lauren Holiday, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, made headlines not just for her past achievements but for her new role as a trailblazer in women's football governance. Following her retirement, Holiday encountered life-altering events that initially distanced her from public view. However, after recovering from a brain tumor post-delivery, she reignited her commitment to social justice and gender equality. Inspired by her young daughter, Holiday sought a platform where she could effect broader change beyond coaching or management. She found this opportunity through Mercury/13, a pioneering organization co-founded by Victoire Cogevina Reynal and Mario Malave, which focuses exclusively on women's football clubs.
Holiday's involvement began when she invested in Angel City FC, part of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), which recently became the world's most valuable women's sports team. Now, as a board member of Mercury/13, she aims to expand their presence across Europe, starting with FC Como Women in Italy. The group plans to acquire more clubs, prioritizing the UK market, to promote better treatment and support for female athletes. Holiday emphasizes the importance of placing players' needs at the forefront of business decisions, a rare approach in sports investment circles.
When comparing the NWSL with the Women’s Super League (WSL) in England, Holiday acknowledges the competitive parity within the NWSL, attributing its current edge to closer competition among teams. However, she also recognizes the rapid growth and international appeal of the WSL, noting how top US players now seek opportunities abroad. This shift reflects evolving global interest in women's football, far removed from the era when US dominance was unchallenged. Holiday's career, marked by domestic success and accolades like induction into the NWSL Hall of Fame, exemplifies this transformation.
Looking ahead, Holiday envisions limitless possibilities for women's football. "The sky's the limit," she asserts, emphasizing the growing recognition and investment in women's sports. She believes that proper marketing and media exposure will further propel the sport, ensuring it receives the attention and resources it deserves. With her unique perspective as both a former elite player and current investor, Holiday is poised to lead the charge toward a more equitable and prosperous future for women's football.
From a journalist's perspective, Lauren Holiday's journey underscores the power of resilience and the impact of visionary leadership. Her story highlights how personal challenges can fuel a deeper commitment to societal change. By leveraging her influence and experiences, Holiday is paving the way for a new generation of female athletes and advocates, proving that true progress comes from those who dare to dream big and act boldly.
