Welcome to Last Week’s Wins #22
I (Eric) am back! Thank you, John Balkam for the insightful guest appearance last week!
The W-W-W team sends thoughts and well-wishes to everyone in need in Texas. Check out this link to find ways to help out.
WINNING QUOTE
"Risk something or forever sit with your dreams. Be better than you are. Set a goal that seems unattainable, and when you reach that goal, set another one even higher." - Coach Herb Brooks, “Miracle on Ice”, Feb 22. 1980
ATHLETES STEP UP TO SUPPORT THOSE IN NEED
Innovative leaders across sports and entertainment are collaborating and committing to support those in need during the current emergency in Texas and beyond.
Pierre Desir donated 10,000 meals to the Houston Food Bank last Thursday. The 30 year-old, 2x Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, NFL free-agent, and Missouri native never played for a Texas team, but felt "it was the right thing to do".
Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott teamed up with University of Texas “Minister of Culture” Matthew McConaughey to provide meals to the homeless at OurCalling Dallas.
S/O to recent LWW recipient, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, for providing meals and supplies to Baltimore communities. The Famous Fund creators partnered with the foundations for Deshaun Watson, Ray Rice, and other community leaders.
WASHINGTON SPIRIT ANNOUNCE DIVERSE OWNERSHIP GROUP
NWSL’s Washington Spirit recently announced new members to their large ownership group. The club was founded alongside the league in 2013 and were finalists in 2016.
Chairman Steve Baldwin recently stated that the club is focused on, “capitalizing on the entrepreneurial intersection of technology and sports entertainment.”
They hit the mark spot on with this new and diverse ownership group in an attempt to represent the District. The group, made of 43 members, includes presidential families, entrepreneurs, politicians, athletes, educators, media, and more.
The club also renewed a deal with Pepco that will introduce panel discussions on diversity and social justice in Washington, D.C.
Since the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, there has been a rise of investment opportunities into Women’s professional soccer in the USA.
NWSL newcomer Angel City FC in Los Angeles also has a large and diverse ownership group. Recent Australian Open champion and frequently discussed W-W-W athlete Naomi Osaka is part of the ownership group for the North Carolina Courage.
These partnerships can open doors into community investments throughout the league as well as increased investments into other women’s sports.
Here are just a few of the new owners for the Washington Spirit. Check out the full list here.
Dominique Dawes (Gold Medal Olympian)
Jimmy Lynn (Georgetown University)
Chelsea Clinton (Clinton Family)
Jenna Bush Hager (Bush Family)
Tom Daschle (Former US Senator)
Briana Scurry (USWNT)
Matt Hang (Turner Sports COO)
Claire Shipman (ABC Journalist)
Estee Portnoy (Michael Jordan’s Business Director)
Devin Talbott (Enlightenment Capital Investments)
Top Quotes:
“It is fitting that the Washington Spirit have an investor group commensurate with the dynamism and diversity of DC and its place as the most powerful city in the world.” - Chairman, Steve Baldwin
“Our investor group reflects DC's political roots, sports legacy, international reach, and thriving business and technology community. We share a common vision and committed purpose to elevate women's soccer and the young girls pursuing their passions on the pitch and beyond." - Devin Talbott
“BE AN ANGEL INITIATIVE” KICKS OFF IN LOS ANGELES
NWSL teams take 2 out of 3 wins this week. When Angel City FC was founded in 2020, Natalie Portman, Abby Wambach, and other influential women co-founders were all on-board to create a truly purpose-driven franchise.
The team starts play in 2022 but hit the ground running towards their goals of making an impact.
The Angel City Sponsorship Model exemplifies the W-W-W mindset. The club allocates 10% of the value from each sponsorship deal to causes specific to Los Angeles.
ACFC’s first deal with Heineken is focused on LGBTQ+ causes. The club’s newest deal with DoorDash focuses on food insecurity. Details of the new partnership below.
DoorDash Front-of-Kit Partner
$1,000,000 over life of partnership
Launch Day Campaign: $15,000 to CARE
Primary goals in LA:
Fighting food insecurity
Amplifying women-owned restaurants
I have been quick to judge DoorDash’s business model, however this campaign alongside other partnerships with the NBA, WNBA, Sesame Street Foundation and the development of a corporate council for racial justice in the workplace displays DoorDash’s approach towards positive changes in society.
Top Quotes:
“Studies show that the pandemic has disproportionately affected women-owned businesses, and we wanted to use this launch to meaningfully help these businesses.” David Bornoff, Head of Consumer Marketing at DoorDash
“DoorDash aligns with our mission to make a positive impact across Los Angeles and beyond. We are so moved to see them immediately mobilize our partnership. This is just the beginning.” Julie Uhrman, co-founder and president of Angel City FC.
“This partnership will uniquely merge food, sport and culture as we work together to give back to the Los Angeles community we serve and level the playing field for all.” Tony Xu, the CEO and co-founder of DoorDash
MISS THE LATEST W-W-W PODCAST? John Balkam and Eric Dorsey continue their conversation from past weeks on athlete activism before an interview with Super Bowl Champion and former CFL/NFL player, Adrian Tracy!
Did you read about Malcolm Lemmons and Athletes Unheard? CHECK OUT THE LATEST UNITED JOURNEY PROFILE!