Getting involved in soccer ownership wasn’t exactly in Lauren Holiday’s thoughts when she was a player.
Historically, it hasn’t been in many players’ thoughts. But times are changing, and the two-time Olympic gold medalist and 2015 World Cup winner with the United States’ women’s national team has become the latest player to join the decision-making ranks.
Holiday has joined the board of Mercury/13, the group that owns FC Como Women in Italy, and plans to expand its portfolio in Europe over the coming year. Her involvement comes as part of an investment by Avenue Sports, the private equity fund she advises that is headed by Marc Lasry, the former owner of the Milwaukee Bucks.
“It’s about a desire to be able to implement change,” Holiday tells The Athletic in an exclusive interview when asked why she chose the executive route. “It’s also to have a voice. So many owners and ownership groups don’t actually understand the game, or very few understand what it’s like to be on the field to be doing what we’re doing.”
Holiday was already one of an increasing number of former USWNT players who have invested in clubs, having put money into Angel City when they launched in 2020, as did Mia Hamm and Abby Wambach. There’s also Carli Lloyd at Gotham and Brandi…
