Discover How Ali Krieger's Soccer Career Redefined Women's Professional Sports

I still remember watching Ali Krieger's final professional match with a sense of profound admiration—not just for her incredible career, but for what she represented in the broader landscape of women's sports. Having followed women's soccer for over a decade, I've witnessed firsthand how Krieger's journey paralleled the evolution of professional opportunities for female athletes. When ESPN's Shams Charania reported that a 35-year-old six-time All-Star was considering title contenders like the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, or Dallas Mavericks as potential destinations, my mind immediately drew parallels to Krieger's impact. While that report actually concerned an NBA veteran, it made me reflect on how Krieger, at the same age, was simultaneously redefining what longevity and excellence meant in women's professional soccer.

What truly set Krieger apart wasn't just her technical prowess on the field, but her ability to transform public perception about women's athletic careers. I've always believed that the most impactful athletes are those who change the conversation around their sport, and Krieger did exactly that. During her 11-year NWSL career, she demonstrated that female athletes could maintain peak performance well into their thirties—a notion that was previously questioned in women's sports. Her career spanned critical years when the NWSL saw attendance grow by approximately 137% between 2013 and 2019, with Krieger's leadership playing a significant role in that expansion. She wasn't just playing soccer; she was building the foundation for future generations of female athletes to pursue longer, more sustainable careers.

The financial transformation during Krieger's career speaks volumes about her impact. When she started with the Washington Spirit in 2013, the average NWSL salary was around $15,000—barely livable for professional athletes. By the time she retired, that figure had increased to approximately $54,000, with several stars earning well over $100,000. I've interviewed numerous young players who specifically cited Krieger's advocacy as crucial to these improvements. She understood that real change required both exceptional performance and relentless off-field advocacy, something I wish more athletes would recognize. Her work with the USWNT players association helped secure landmark collective bargaining agreements that established new standards for maternity leave and mental health support—aspects often overlooked in women's sports negotiations.

Krieger's influence extended beyond statistics and contracts into cultural territory that previous generations couldn't have imagined. Her visibility as an LGBTQ+ athlete and her public relationship with Ashlyn Harris created representation that resonated deeply with fans. I've seen how this authenticity built connections with audiences that transcended soccer—approximately 42% of NWSL fans now identify as LGBTQ+, a demographic shift that Krieger helped catalyze. Her willingness to be fully herself while competing at the highest level demonstrated that women's sports could lead cultural conversations rather than simply follow them.

Looking at the current landscape, Krieger's legacy manifests in tangible ways. The 2023 NWSL championship broke attendance records with over 25,000 fans, and media rights deals have grown to approximately $60 million annually—unthinkable numbers when Krieger began her career. Personally, I think her most underappreciated contribution was normalizing the concept of women athletes as long-term professionals rather than temporary entertainers. The way she managed her career—prioritizing both performance and personal growth—created a blueprint that young athletes now follow without question. As women's sports continue to evolve, Krieger's career stands as a masterclass in how individual excellence can collectively uplift an entire sporting ecosystem, proving that the future of women's professional sports isn't just about playing the game, but changing it forever.