July 15th 2024.
In preparation for the 2025 season, the Women's National Football Conference has announced exciting plans to expand its presence by adding a new team in New Jersey. This news was confirmed by WNFC Commissioner Janice Masters in a press release, where she stated, "We have been actively pursuing this expansion for several months now and are currently in discussions with a potential investment group based in New Jersey." The league's expansion strategy focuses on finding strong ownership and facilities support, rather than just targeting certain markets.
The league initially shared this development in a February announcement, just before awarding a franchise to Chicago. The new team, owned by USA Gold Medalist Angelique M. Smith, will make its debut in "The Windy City" in 2025. This is a groundbreaking moment, as it will be the first professional sports team in Chicago to be majority-owned by a Black woman.
Founded by Odessa "OJ" Jenkins, the Women's National Football Conference has a mission to empower women financially through the sport of football. Jenkins has previously highlighted the importance of execution in both sports and business, stating in an interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, "In sports, if you don't execute, you will lose. The same goes for business. Without a solid plan and execution, we will not succeed."
Jenkins also shared in a recent interview that her personal connection to this mission drives her to create opportunities for women in all areas, stating, "My goal is to give women the chance to win and excel in every aspect of their lives, especially in football. This is a personal mission for me." As the league continues to grow, it is currently in the process of raising a seed round of $1.5 million. With 17 teams across the United States and players from over 20 countries, the WNFC is dedicated to combining football and entertainment with a commitment to equity and social responsibility.
The expansion of women's football through the WNFC has gained significant momentum, with recent additions such as the Houston Mambas and Nashville Trojans. As the league looks towards the future, it is exploring new ownership opportunities and potential franchises, solidifying its position as a major player in professional sports.
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