New NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird has "already identified her immediate tasks" in the "intertwined areas of audience, sponsorship, and overall reputation," according to Pardeep Cattry of PRO SOCCER USA. Baird, in her first public comments since being named commissioner, said audience and fan base are the "number one hallmark of a great league, and I think growing it so that it speaks and that you’re creating committed followership within the season (is) number one." For Baird, that also includes an increased media presence, though she said that she "did not want to comment on the league’s search for a new lead broadcasting partner." Baird also believes that growing the league's sponsor roster will be a "particularly easy prospect coming on the heels of last year’s successful World Cup and the league’s subsequent boost." Baird: “I actually don’t think I’m going to have to do a lot of persuading of sponsors that creating a partnership with the league is a right one for what they want to do.” Baird said she wants to "make sure this is a long term, viable, and successful not only women’s sports league, but let’s say professional sports league” (PROSOCCERUSA.com, 2/28).
