BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – As the NWSL gathered for its inaugural media day in Southern California, the weight of recent wildfires loomed over the event. The rich history of women’s soccer in the region, including the memorable 1999 Women’s World Cup final, set the backdrop for this significant occasion. However, 10 athletes present were directly affected by the ongoing crises, as local wildfires have burned approximately 50,000 acres since January 7, resulting in numerous casualties and displacements.

Commissioner Jessica Berman remarked, “You can’t walk through Los Angeles without meeting someone impacted; it’s a very real situation.”

Ali Riley, captain of Angel City FC, shared her personal struggles after losing her childhood home in the Palisades fire. The situation profoundly affected the schedules of local teams, including the U.S. women’s national side, which had to relocate a training camp to Florida.

Berman emphasized the importance of holding the event amidst these challenges, stating that it demonstrated resilience and a desire for recovery. “We carefully chose to proceed with the event based upon our understanding of the community’s needs,” she added.

The NWSL’s initiatives reflect a broader movement towards recovery in the Los Angeles area, as showcased by Angel City’s preseason training commencement.

Diana Ordonez from Houston Dash expressed gratitude for the league’s commitment to normalcy, noting, “Participating in this event is a privilege, shining a light on our livelihood in the face of adversity.”

The NWSL plans to contribute to local recovery projects, with Angel City leading the way by donating $8 million to relief efforts on January 18. More contributions from the league are expected to follow as it seeks to uplift the community.