Juju Watkins Joins Boston Legacy FC Investor Group
“Boston Legacy FC is creating a space for women to achieve, lead, and inspire others at the highest level, and I’m proud to be a part of the movement pushing women’s sports forward."
Boston Legacy FC’s investor group continues to grow and become more involved with the National Women’s Soccer League.
College basketball player Juju Watkins was announced as the Legacy’s latest investor, and Aly Raisman and Elizabeth Banks will represent the club in the league’s new advisory group.
LA To Boston
Watkins, a University of Southern California Trojan, is proving to be productive off the court despite being sidelined for the season after tearing her ACL in March. The 20-year-old’s investment in the Legacy makes her the first college athlete to directly invest in a professional women’s sports team.
“Boston Legacy FC is creating a space for women to achieve, lead, and inspire others at the highest level, and I’m proud to be a part of the movement pushing women’s sports forward,” Watkins said.
Though she’s only played two seasons, the junior has made headlines over the impact she’s had on USC’s basketball program.
As a freshman, Watkins was ranked No. 2 in the nation in scoring and set the all-time national freshman scoring record at 920 points. She also led her team to its first Pac-12 Tournament title in over a decade.
The Los Angeles native won the Big Ten regular season championship the following season. She was also named the Naismith College Player of the Year and AP Player of the Year as a sophomore in addition to receiving the John R. Wooden Award.
“Juju’s investment marks a groundbreaking moment for women’s sports and the power of NIL,” said Jennifer Epstein, BLFC’s controlling owner. “As the first college athlete to directly invest in a women’s professional sports team, she’s showing that today’s student-athletes aren’t just building their own brands — they’re shaping the future of the game.”
Watkins joins Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who finished his college career at USC, and Indiana Fever player Aliyah Boston in the investor group.
Advisory Board
The NWSL announced the formation of its first advisory board on Thursday. The 20-person board includes former athletes, cultural leaders, and others in the entertainment industry.
Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman and actress Elizabeth Banks, both early investors in the Legacy, will be part of the inaugural board.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman created the board to help grow the league and women’s game while also deepening its cultural impact. The members will assist in exploring more partnership opportunities and expanding fan reach, according to the league.
“Their experience and influence will be instrumental as we continue building not just a league, but a movement—one that redefines entertainment and what’s possible in sports,” said Berman.
All members are investors in NWSL teams:
Chris Paul (Angel City FC)
Julie Foudy (Angel City FC)
Brandi Chastain (Bay FC)
Sabrina Ionescu (Bay FC)
Elizabeth Banks (Boston Legacy FC)
Aly Raisman (Boston Legacy FC)
Jordan Angeli (Denver Summit FC)
Brittany Mahomes (Kansas City Current)
Sue Bird (Gotham FC)
Eli Manning (Gotham FC)
Lauren Holiday (North Carolina Courage)
Grant Hill (Orlando Pride)
Tamia Hill (Orlando Pride)
Joey Harrington (Portland Thorns FC)
Bryce Young (Portland Thorns FC)
Ken Griffey Jr. (Seattle Reign FC)
Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC)
Lindsey Vonn (Utah Royals FC)
Dominique Dawes (Washington Spirit)
Magic Johnson (Washington Spirit)
Houston Dash, Racing Louisville FC, and Chicago Stars are the only teams not represented.
“Women’s sports are rewriting the rules of what’s possible — and the NWSL is leading that charge,” Banks said in a statement. “This league has incredible athletes, incredible stories, and an incredible fan base. I’m proud to help amplify that energy and make sure the next generation sees women’s sports not as the exception, but as the standard.”
The members will meet biannually, starting in the spring of 2026, to “identify bold opportunities for growth, storytelling, and innovation.” The board will work with existing ownership and leadership groups in an effort to increase collaboration and creativity across the league.