Megan Rapinoe & Lori Lindsey Reflect on NWSL Rise PLUS Megan Breaks Down Met Gala Fits + Angel Reese’s Message to the Media
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In this episode of A Touch More with Sue Bird & Megan Rapinoe, the hosts dive deep into the explosive growth of women's sports, with a major focus on the NWSL's skyrocketing valuations and expansion. Megan Rapinoe breaks down the $205 million expansion fee for Columbus as a sign of the league's maturation, attributing the surge to increased investor confidence and the cultural moment around women's sports, highlighted by the viral 'We Are Women's Sports' shirt. She and guest Lori Lindsey reflect on the evolution of the NWSL from its early days in WUSA and WPS to today’s professional, high-value league. Lori shares her journey from player to commentator, emphasizing how the role offers creative freedom and rhythm that aligns with her post-athletic life. The conversation also touches on the importance of parity, the impact of global opportunities like playing in Europe, and the strategic decision to keep the NWSL on a summer schedule to dominate the women's sports calendar. Megan also shares her excitement about the upcoming Women's World Cup, discussing the mental and physical preparation athletes undergo. The episode closes with a spotlight on Angel Reese’s bold stance on media relations, where she announces she’ll pay a fine to avoid contentious interviews, signaling a new era of athlete empowerment. Finally, Megan honors retiring NWSL legend Jess Bishlock, celebrating her 14-year career and legacy as a fierce, joyful teammate.
NWSL expansion fees have exploded from $2M to $205M in just six years, signaling massive investor confidence in women's sports as a high-growth asset class.
The 'We Are Women's Sports' shirt became a cultural phenomenon, uniting fans across sports and leagues by visually representing collective support for women's athletics.
Lori Lindsey’s transition from player to commentator reflects a broader shift: post-athletic careers in media offer creative freedom, rhythm, and deeper connection to the game without the constant pressure of performance.
Keeping the NWSL on a summer schedule is a strategic advantage, allowing women's sports to dominate the calendar and compete with men’s leagues during their off-seasons.
Angel Reese’s decision to pay a fine to avoid hostile media interviews marks a turning point in athlete agency, asserting control over personal narrative and mental well-being.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
Sponsorship & Intro: The Rise of Women's Sports
The episode opens with multiple sponsor reads for Odoo and Deal, followed by Megan Rapinoe introducing the show's focus: the booming business of women's sports, with a spotlight on the NWSL's record-breaking expansion fees and the cultural momentum behind it.
The Numbers Behind the NWSL Boom
“I think that was just like Huge. I think specifically in the NWSL, different to the WNBA, I think that the sort of like investable inventory, which is basically just expansion teams, was way more in the NWSL.”
Lori Lindsey: From Player to Voice of the NWSL
“I mean, we were just cracking each other up. We were so gay. We were not afraid to scream that from the mountaintops.”
The Evolution of Women's Soccer: From WUSA to NWSL
Lori recounts her early days in WUSA and WPS, highlighting the league’s quality despite limited resources. She reflects on how the sport’s infrastructure has matured and how her transition into commentary gave her creative freedom and personal rhythm.
The Future of the NWSL: Expansion, Parity & Strategy
“I don't know why we're looking at anybody else in terms of schedule, marketing, TV slot, like the ability to, I think just like our business prowess here and like the proof is in the pudding, these valuations...”
“You're not going to just get this like unfettered access to me when you're not taking responsibility of the platform that you have as a journalist, I'm going to take responsibility for a platform that I have as the player.”
“I'll take a fine. I'll take a fine before I have to go to media and feel like my back is against the wall.”
“I don't know why we're looking at anybody else in terms of schedule, marketing, TV slot, like the ability to, I think just like our business prowess here and like the proof is in the pudding, these valuations...”
Hosts
Guest
NWSL
organization
Lori Lindsey
person
Megan Rapinoe
person
WNBA
organization
Angel Reese
person
World Cup
other
Odoo
brand
Met Gala
other
Jess Bishlock
person
Sue Bird
person
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