Hear Brandi Chastain on Spotify

USA soccer legend Brandi Chastain is pumped for Olympic soccer, and says that big clubs and corporate sponsors are behind the women’s game because women’s soccer is popular and a ‘viable product.’

Since retiring from her 16-year competitive career, in which she scored 30 goals for the U.S. in 192 games, Chastain has been plenty busy.

Most recently she’s let her inner nature lover come to the forefront, as an early investor in and spokesperson for Save the World LLC, an outfit that produces reusable bottles that utilize Aqueous Ozone (AO) technology to sanitize surfaces, athletic equipment and more. Chastain says reducing plastic waste is a top priority.

And as an investor/owner of hospitality app CityCheers, Chastain is helping to revive the post-COVID economy by connecting restaurants and sports bars with their most avid customers.

Closer to the pitch, Chastain has been a soccer commentator for NBC Sports, and is part of a group aiming to bring a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team to the Bay Area, where she lives. 

Earlier in May, we spoke about the game, the equal pay issue in soccer, and her pursuits since retiring as a USWNT player.

A huge future for women’s soccer

In 2021 some of US Soccer’s top players are abroad at well heeled, historic clubs. Christen Press plays for Manchester United, while Sam Mewis, Rose Lavelle and Abby Dahlkemper have made a splash at Man City. Chastain says it’s all good.

“For players choosing to play overseas, I don’t begrudge any of them,” Chastain said. She adds that America’s domestic league, the NWSL, has a bright future and will court top players from all over the world.

“If you’re from here, go play elsewhere, hear a different voice and experience soccer overseas, and we’ll lure you back. If you are not from the U.S., we will make you want to come play here.”

Inside US Soccer, the discussion of equal pay is still simmering, even as the USWNT rolls forward after four World Cup titles. Chastain points to the fact that big corporate sponsors want to tap the “rich, deep well” of women’s soccer, and that the fans want more.

“We’re at a prefect storm, with media coverage and also social media and sponsors—it’s not quiet anymore. It will continue to cast a light on inequities in every arena.”

Andy Frye speaks with Brandi Chastain, in Episode 14. You can read the interview on Forbes here.