WNFC Raises $1M in Seed Funding to Accelerate Growth and Equity for Women in Football

We are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking milestone for the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC)! We have successfully raised $1 million in a seed round, marking a significant step forward in our journey to revolutionize women’s football.

This achievement is historic, not only for us but for the broader entrepreneurial landscape. Less than 1% of companies ever raise venture capital, and fewer than 100 companies founded by black women have raised over $1 million in a seed round. This investment marks the largest funding round ever raised by a semi-professional women’s football league.

The round is led by Dawn Sherman, CEO of ProPharma and owner of the WNFC’s Jersey Shore Wave. With a shared commitment to financial equity and growth, Dawn’s leadership will help us unlock new opportunities for women in sports.

Our mission is to accelerate financial equity for women through the power of football. This seed round is about more than just raising capital, it’s about proving that financial opportunity in football is for everybody. We are reshaping the landscape of sports and entertainment by demonstrating that women belong on the field, at the table, and in leadership.

This funding will allow us to scale operations and fuel growth across several critical areas, to attack the pay-to-play model:

1. Operational Scale and League Structure Adjustments: We will enhance league infrastructure and operations to ensure sustained growth and long-term capital raise capabilities.

2. Marketing and Sponsorship Development: Expanding our marketing efforts and forming new sponsorships will help us amplify the WNFC brand globally.

3. Apparel and Events Growth: We’ll invest in apparel ventures and develop new revenue streams through merchandise and live events.

4. Player Incentives and Pipeline Development: to build a sustainable athlete ecosystem, we will introduce incentives and develop robust pathways for players.

5. Sales Team and Community Engagement Initiatives: We’ll focus on growing our sales team and deepening fan engagement through enhanced digital content and in-person events.

6. Production Quality and Digital Revamp: Expect higher-quality event production and a revamped digital presence to elevate the fan experience across all platforms.

A New Era for Women’s Football

This funding is just the beginning. We are on a mission to redefine the future of football and sports entertainment, proving that women's sports aren’t just viable, they’re powerful, exciting, and here to stay. With the support of our sponsors, investors and our growing community of partners and fans, we’re confident that the WNFC is ready to take women's professional football to the next level.

The WNFC has engaged the services of Sills Cummis & Gross P.C., a full-service commercial law firm with offices in New Jersey, New York and Florida, to represent the League in connection with its ongoing financing and other League expansion activities.  The Sills Cummis & Gross team is led by Lori Waldron, Esq., a Member of the Firm’s Corporate Department.

Thank you to everyone who believes in our vision and continues to support us. Special thank you to the sponsors who have been with us since our inception: adidas (football US), Riddell Sports and United Sports Brands.

Together, we are building a future where women not only play the game but change it.