Bloomberg Businessweek Women's Sports Leagues Battling for Talent
Jan 15, 2026
Carolyn Tisch Blodgett dives into the fierce competition for talent in women's soccer, highlighting the NWSL's struggles against skyrocketing player salaries in Europe. She discusses how Gotham FC is innovating its retention strategy by focusing on coaching and player development rather than just pay. The conversation shifts to the marketing of player brands and the league's impressive growth in valuation. Tisch Blodgett also shares insights on scouting potential investments and the importance of sustainable growth in women's sports.
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Rising Tide Lifts Women's Sports
- Rising investment in women's sports creates broader opportunities across teams, leagues and tech.
- Carolyn Tisch Blodgett says competition for talent from Europe signals healthy global growth, not collapse.
Players Move Between Europe And NWSL
- Carolyn notes players will both leave for Europe and return, giving examples like Lindsay Horan.
- She frames this movement as part of competing for global talent rather than a permanent exodus.
Invest In Competitive Advantages
- Focus resources on your competitive advantages like coaching, medical and performance support.
- Invest where players will improve to attract and retain talent without overspending on salaries.