Bloomberg Businessweek: "Women's Sports Leagues Battling for Talent"
Date: January 15, 2026
Hosts: Carol Massar & Tim Stenovec
Guests: Vanessa Perdomo (Bloomberg Sports Reporter), Carolyn Tish Blodgett (Governor & Lead Owner of Gotham FC, CEO of Next3 Ventures)
Episode Overview
This episode dives into the increasingly competitive landscape of women's sports leagues, focusing on talent retention, rising player salaries, and the influx of high-profile investors. The hosts, along with Gotham FC’s Carolyn Tish Blodgett and Bloomberg’s Vanessa Perdomo, explore how women’s leagues, especially in the U.S., are managing the new dynamics of global sports business—contending with European clubs for star athletes and capitalizing on the growing popularity and investment in women’s sports.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Evolution and Growth of Women’s Sports Investment
[03:29-04:14]
- Carolyn Tish Blodgett highlights rapid shifts, noting the previously negligible investment in women’s sports:
"When we came in as new owners two years ago, they were not being talked about on Bloomberg. They were not. No one was investing in it... 99% of investments in sports went to men's teams. And so you're starting to see that shift."
- New ownership is helping drive this change, with an influx into NWSL, WNBA, and others.
- The competition from overseas leagues is framed as a positive.
"I don't think our league would be as successful as we have been if there weren't other leagues that were competing for talent." (04:14)
Talent Retention Amid Global Competition
[04:21-06:05]
- Blodgett acknowledges concerns about U.S. stars moving to Europe, but also notes regular returns:
"There has been news of players leaving for Europe... you'll also see players coming back." (04:22)
"If we pull back and say this is actually... we're competing for global talent in a global game. This is kind of the natural evolution." (04:51) - On retention strategy:
- Focus on organizational strengths: coaching, investment in medical and mental health, and performance coaching.
- Notable quote:
"We've been very much at the forefront in terms of investing in medical... invested in mental health... If you're sitting here today as a player and you say, where can I get better? I would arguably say Gotham is the best place to go." (05:37)
The Power of Star Players
[06:05-08:00]
- The business value of star athletes is central to growth.
"Stars drive viewership, and stars drive, particularly, a casual fandom." (06:45)
- Drawing from her Peloton marketing experience:
"That was really our model, was help these instructors turn into stars. That is something we've brought to Gotham." (06:45)
- Gotham’s strategy blends inheriting big names (e.g., Rose Lavelle) and nurturing emerging stars (e.g., Jaylen Howell).
- The link between national team success and club fandom:
"We have an opportunity at Gotham. Six of those [Olympic] players played for Gotham at the time. We can help bring those people and bridge that gap from US fandom to Gotham." (08:00)
Business Expansion and Long-Term League Growth
[08:00-09:23]
- Discusses the exponential rise in NWSL franchise valuations—Atlanta’s $165 million expansion fee up from $2 million in 2019.
"You have owners like the Wilfs from the NFL, the Blanks now, and... owners from the NBA, from MLS, from European leagues... They believe in the NWSL product. Right." (09:05)
- Emphasizes that owners are committed to sustainable growth, not just quick profits.
"The conversations at the board are about how are we going to grow sustainably, how are we going to reach the next level... It is not about like how can I make a quick dollar and turn around and sell it." (09:05)
The Bigger Picture: Investing in Youth and Emerging Sports
[10:06-10:32]
- Blodgett is actively considering investments beyond soccer—e.g., volleyball, SailGP, and youth sports leagues:
"We're continuing to look at emerging leagues, look at emerging sports. I think we're very focused on youth sports... building up the kind of grassroots sports from the ground up." (10:18)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On the rise of investment interest:
"When we came in, 99% of investments in sports went to men's teams. And so you're starting to see that shift." — Carolyn Tish Blodgett [03:29]
- On global competition:
"If we pull back and say this is actually... we're competing for global talent in a global game. This is kind of the natural evolution." — Blodgett [04:51]
- On building player appeal beyond salary:
"We've been very much at the forefront in terms of investing in medical... mental health... performance coach... where can I get better?... Gotham is the best place to go." — Blodgett [05:37]
- On stars and fandom:
"Stars drive viewership, and stars drive, particularly, a casual fandom." — Blodgett [06:45]
- On the importance of committed ownership:
"This is a group of owners that want to be there and want to invest in its future." — Blodgett [09:05]
Important Segments & Timestamps
- [02:29-03:29] – Introduction to guests and themes of talent battles in women's leagues
- [03:29-04:14] – Growth of women’s sports investment and new ownership
- [04:21-06:05] – Strategies to retain top players amid European competition
- [06:05-08:00] – The business importance of star athletes and fandom
- [08:00-09:23] – Franchise valuations and the new class of committed investors
- [10:06-10:32] – Looking toward emerging leagues and youth sports
Tone and Language
The conversation is optimistic, fast-paced, and forward-looking, with Blodgett’s marketing background informing a business-savvy but passionate approach to women’s sports. Both hosts and guests frame challenges (like salary escalation and international transfers) as opportunities for growth and evolution.
Conclusion
This episode underscores women's sports leagues entering a new era: attracting major investment, fiercely competing for talent on a global stage, and leveraging star power to grow their audience and business. Gotham FC’s Carolyn Tish Blodgett illustrates how innovative management, a focus on player wellness, and a marketing-driven approach are essential to staying competitive as women's sports continue their rapid ascendancy.