In the past five years, NWSL league stars have had to turn to side jobs to make ends meet. Now, with the signing of a new agreement, new doors have opened for them to engage in non-sporting activities that align with their interests and passions.
A New Era for Athletes
On a cold winter night in Ketchum, Idaho, Bea Franklin, a midfielder for the Chicago Stars, is engaged in another type of physical work that she is familiar with from the football field. Under the gaze of taxidermied animals in the pioneering salon, she is serving martinis as a cocktail waitress, wearing cowboy boots and skillfully ensuring that the olives don’t spill while going down the stairs.
Bea chose this job not out of necessity, but as a way to think about things beyond the sport that occupies a major part of her life. She wants to experience other aspects of life alongside her love for football.
New Opportunities and Diverse Lives
This change in financial and professional status not only allows NWSL players to pursue their personal interests but also enables them to connect with the world outside the football field. These players can now engage in multiple areas simultaneously and lead more diverse lives.
These developments represent a new generation of athletes who, instead of solely focusing on football, are seeking to create a balance between their sports careers and personal lives. Bea Franklin is just one of thousands of players who, by taking advantage of these new opportunities, are looking to discover new ways for personal and professional growth.
