Podcast: Jennifer Epstein on bringing an NWSL franchise to Boston

Boston's NWSL ownership group and other dignitaries pose for a photo after a press conference. (Billie Weiss Photography)

The latest guest on New England Soccer Journal’s “The Goal” podcast is Jennifer Epstein.

Epstein is part of Boston Unity Soccer Partners (BUSC), a women-led ownership group for Boston’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team that will begin play in 2026. 

Epstein is also a minority owner for the Boston Celtics, the co-founder of Wildlife Hospitality (the creator of award-winning Boston restaurant concepts), is the founder of Juno Equity, a fund backing women-led companies, and a Trustee for the Institute of Contemporary Art.

Other members of Boston Unity Soccer Partners are strategic marketer and brand builder Stephanie Connaughton, Women’s Foundation of Boston Co-Founder/CFO Ami Danoff, and Flybridge Capital General Partner Anna Palmer. Epstein serves as the controlling partner.

Epstein joined host Matt Langone to discuss why the time was right to bring women’s professional soccer back to Boston, why she wanted to be a part of it, and what needs to be done before the team begins play.

The full podcast can be accessed below and is available on all major platforms. If you enjoy it, please leave a rating and a review.

Here are some highlights from our discussion with Epstein:

On what sparked her interest in bringing women’s pro soccer to Boston:

Epstein: “It’s an interest in the National Women’s Soccer League. I think that part of my background — I think you perhaps know that I’m part of the Celtics’ ownership group — so, I have been part of one of our storied franchises here in the city. It’s been a phenomenal experience. I’ve seen how that team really impacts the community, on and off the court. And I’m a diehard Boston sports fan through and through. I grew up here, grew up watching, in particular, the Bruins and the Celtics. But in any case, in terms of women’s sports, as a sports fan it was about what is missing here in our city?”

On where the team will play home matches:

Epstein: “I’m really excited about our home venue and the model that we are presenting. We would not be here today if the mayor of the City of Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu, and her team hadn’t believed, hadn’t had the leadership and the vision to think this through with us. We are embarking on a public private partnership with the City of Boston. We are going to refurbish and modernize White Stadium in Franklin Park. It is an existing 10,000-seat stadium with a very rich history, and it’s in need of investment and attention. It’ll be, I think, a very remarkable civic achievement. We will turn this stadium into a professional-grade stadium that will give our fans sort of the elite fan experience that they’re used to here in the City of Boston.”

On the NWSL:

Epstein: “You can see the upward trajectory of growth in the league, you can see that through this recent round of the expansion process. The Bay Area and Boston are putting in real significant investment in our teams and our facilities and our players.”

On how being around the Celtics helped prepare her for owning an NWSL franchise:

Epstein: “I think it has certainly prepared me mentally, having had a front row seat for the past two decades into kind of the greater responsibility you have as an owner to the entirety of the city, and then some. I think just also seeing how that team galvanizes the passions of our city. The Celtics’ ownership group is phenomenal in so many ways with the impact that they have.”

“The Goal” podcast is brought to you by the New England Revolution.

For advertising opportunities, please contact [email protected].