Women’s Elite Rugby enters season two with lessons learned, a pop star investor and ambition for US game
Summary
Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is a new semi-professional women’s rugby league in the US that began its second season in 2024. Dr. Jessica Hammond-Graf, the league's president, aims to grow the sport from the grassroots to a professional level, with hopes to increase interest ahead of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and future World Cups.Key Facts
- WER started its second season in 2024 with games in Massachusetts and Illinois.
- Dr. Jessica Hammond-Graf is president and chief sporting officer of WER.
- Hammond-Graf grew up playing other sports and started rugby in college.
- The league launched in 2023 from the amateur Women’s Premier League.
- WER’s goal is to grow women’s rugby in the US and make it more professional.
- Six teams competed in the first season across several US cities, with Denver Onyx winning the championship.
- The league plans to build more fans and player pathways before key events like the 2028 Olympics.
- Leadership shifted from player-led to a more structured, business-oriented approach for growth.
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