"There's a whiplash of change" - Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian weighs in on rise in investments in NWSL

Tennis icon Serena Williams' husband, Alexis Ohanian, recently shared his insights on the significant rise in investment within the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). The Reddit co-founder emphasized the positive impact of increased funding on the league's growth and visibility.

The co-founder of NWSL’s Angel City FC along with Reddit backed the television series “The Offseason,” which was produced by Alex Baskin and co-created by soccer star Midge Purce.

The series features 11 NWSL players coming together in Miami to train and sheds light on the behind-the-scenes of the glamorous game. The series gives a glimpse into the lives of multiple women soccer players, including Midge Purce, Michelle Alozie, Ally Watt, María Sánchez, Lo’eau LaBonta, Paige Nielsen, Ifeoma Onumonu, Nikki Stanton, Taylor Smith, Taryn Torres, and Kelly Hubly.

Ohanian shared a snippet from the series, where the athletes were seen delighting in dinner over a conversation about the investment and sponsorship in the game. During the candid conversation, the American soccer player Lo'eau LaBonta admitted to navigating her sponsorship deals without an agent. After being asked if she had an agent, LaBonta replied:

"No, I just raw dog it."

To which Purce opined she was "disgusted by Lo’eau check."

Sharing the video, Ohanian acknowledged the significant investment flowing into NSWL but pointed out that the speed of transformation can be overwhelming and disorientating for veteran players like LaBonta.

"The NWSL is getting real investment now, which means it's evolving + modernizing very quickly, which is great, but that also means there's a whiplash of change, especially for veterans like Lo," Ohanian wrote.

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"It's pure business" - Alexis Ohanian refers to women's sports as profit-oriented

Alexis Ohanian and his daughter arrive prior to the Athlos NYC at Icahn Stadium on September 26, 2024, in New York City. (Photo by Getty Images)

Following the Paris Olympics, athletics fans were treated to the incredible women's only track meet Athlos NYC, powered by Alexis Ohanian.

The meet witnessed multiple Olympic medalists, including Gabby Thomas, Alexis Holmes, and Faith Kipyegon, and featured a staggering prize money of $60,000 to the winners of each event.

Following the successful debut edition of the event, Ohanian, a passionate advocate of women's sports, presented his view by referring to women's sports as a smart investment.

"If every single one of the women who races here today feels like this was the best meet of their lives, check. We’re doing something right. Job’s not finished, but we’re doing something right.”

He added:

"None of this is about charity. It's pure business and the reality is women are a great investment and women in sport are an exceptional great investment."

Alexis Ohanian's Athlos NYC also received silver status from World Athletics.