Elizabeth Banks is poised to make her mark in women’s soccer as an investor in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team, BOS Nation, set to debut in 2026. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the actress and producer shared her motivation behind this significant investment.
Reflecting on her past, Banks, 50, revealed she was once invited to invest in Angel City FC, the Los Angeles-based team co-founded by Natalie Portman. However, she ultimately declined the offer, citing a lack of personal connection to the team. “I love LA and I live here, but it’s not my home,” Banks explained. While she admired the female-driven initiative of Angel City, the invitation sparked an idea for her own investment opportunity in a location closer to her roots.
The Massachusetts native felt a stronger connection when she learned of Boston’s bid for an NWSL expansion team. “That felt much more right to me,” she said, emphasizing her desire to leave a legacy in the city that shaped her identity. “I’ve been thinking about my legacy in the place where I grew up that helped make me the woman that I am today, and this just felt like a great opportunity,” Banks added.
With BOS Nation, Banks hopes to give back to the Boston community, particularly around White Stadium, where the team will play. She expressed enthusiasm for bringing a female-led sports franchise to a city with a rich sports history. “Boston has such a rich history in sports, and I really am excited to be bringing a female-led sports franchise to that city,” she said.
Moreover, Banks views her investment as a step towards promoting gender equality in sports. “I’m halfway through life at this point, and I really have to start thinking about what impression I’m going to leave for my kids and for people that come behind me,” she remarked. Her commitment to supporting female athletes aligns with her vision of creating positive change in traditionally male-dominated spaces.
Jennifer Epstein, controlling owner of BOS Nation, praised Banks’ dedication to women’s sports, highlighting its importance in promoting gender equality and providing opportunities for women and girls. “Her support around building this team has been amazing, and we are so incredibly happy to be working with her,” Epstein stated.
As BOS Nation prepares for its inaugural season in 2026, Banks is optimistic about the team’s competitiveness, quipping, “If you’re a team in Boston, you better come to win.”
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