The North Carolina Courage made a significant announcement on April 23, 2025, revealing that USWNT legend Lauren Holiday, alongside her husband NBA Champion Jrue Holiday, is joining the ownership group through the Holiday Family Trust. This move marks a pivotal moment in the franchise's history as they aim to enhance their impact both on and off the pitch.
Lauren Holiday, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and World Cup winner, expressed her excitement about joining the Courage, stating, "I’m incredibly honored to join the North Carolina Courage. This club represents the future of women’s soccer—not just in how we play the game, but in how we empower athletes, connect with communities, and build a sustainable future for the sport. I believe deeply in the mission and vision of the Courage, and I’m excited to contribute in meaningful ways—especially when it comes to player development and overall culture."
Jrue Holiday, who currently plays for the Boston Celtics and has won two NBA titles—one with the Milwaukee Bucks and another with the Celtics—also joins the Courage's ownership group. The couple's commitment to social justice and community empowerment is well-documented, with their joint efforts recognized through the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award in 2023.
Steve Malik, the Courage's majority owner and chairperson, welcomed Lauren to the team, saying, "We are thrilled to welcome Lauren Holiday to the North Carolina Courage family. Lauren’s championship pedigree, leadership experience, and genuine passion for the growth of women’s soccer make her an invaluable addition to our ownership group. Her involvement will elevate our club both on and off the pitch, and her insight into player experience and development will help us create the best possible environment for our athletes, staff, and supporters."
Lauren’s role will extend beyond ownership; she will serve as an advisor and ambassador for the club, influencing decisions related to on-field performance, business strategies, community initiatives, and player development. This hands-on approach signifies a new era for the Courage, who are poised to strengthen their position in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
The Courage’s ownership group is diverse and impressive, featuring notable figures such as Naomi Osaka, Ons Jabeur, and several other prominent investors. This collective aims to enhance the club’s visibility and success in the league, leveraging their varied expertise and passion for women's sports.
Lauren Holiday’s influence in women’s sports is not new. She has previously joined the board of Mercury 13, an investment group dedicated exclusively to women’s soccer, which made headlines for acquiring Serie A Femminile club FC Como Women. Her involvement with Mercury 13 aligns with her commitment to elevating women’s soccer and ensuring the sport's growth and sustainability.
Holiday’s journey in sports extends back to her remarkable career with FC Kansas City, where she played a crucial role in launching the NWSL and helped secure league championships in 2014 and 2015 while earning inaugural league MVP honors in 2013. After retiring from professional soccer in 2016, she faced a significant personal challenge when diagnosed with a benign brain tumor while pregnant with her first child. This experience fueled her passion for advocacy and community work, leading to the establishment of the Lauren Holiday Impact Award in partnership with the NWSL and Nationwide.
As the Courage look to the future, the integration of Lauren Holiday into their leadership structure is expected to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Malik noted, "Lauren has such a passion for this sport and her unique perspective will help us elevate every aspect of the organization. From our early conversations, we’ve been aligned on the vision for what this club can and should be. I’m excited to see her impact and what the future holds."
With the Courage's commitment to fostering talent and creating a supportive environment for players, the addition of the Holidays is seen as a strategic move to enhance the club's culture and performance. They aim to build a sustainable future for the sport, ensuring that the Courage not only competes at a high level but also leads in community engagement and player development.
As the NWSL continues to grow in popularity and prestige, the Courage are positioning themselves as a key player in this evolution. The involvement of influential figures like Lauren and Jrue Holiday is likely to inspire a new generation of athletes and fans alike, further solidifying the Courage's commitment to excellence in women's soccer.
As the Courage embark on this new chapter, fans and supporters are eager to see the impact of Lauren Holiday’s leadership and vision. The excitement surrounding her appointment signals a promising future for the club, with aspirations of not just competing but thriving in the ever-evolving landscape of women's sports.
