When Oscar winner Natalie Portman had the crazy dream of founding a women’s soccer team in Los Angeles, the stars went covert in her favor.
Along with a roster of award-winning Hollywood heavyweights, Portman co-founded Angel City Football Club, which is now in its season in the National Women’s Soccer League. The team draws sold-out crowds and creates a colorful atmosphere at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
At the forefront of Angel City Football Club is Natalie Portman herself, actively involved as a co-founder and big fan. In a new docuseries, “Angel City,” on HBO Max, the launch of the women’s professional team, the first to be founded and run by women, is recounted.
“Angel City” features the launch of the team and the adventure of its founders. The series highlights the resilience and determination of those who, like Portman, have created a platform for women’s soccer in Los Angeles.
Today, in the City of Angels, her message about the strength of women resonates.
“Everything is so positive, exuberant and joyful,” Portman said.
Portman’s inspiration for creating the team came in part from her son’s enthusiasm for the Women’s World Cup. Seeing the impact and greatness shown by female athletes, she felt compelled to contribute to the cultural renewal surrounding women in sport.
“It’s to me that when I see all those kids, of all genders, in the stadium admiring our female athletes, it feels like a cultural shift,” Portman said.
He said he wasn’t passionate about sports, but was encouraged through what football players did.
Portman’s co-founders, plus entrepreneur Julie Uhrman and venture capitalist Kara Nortman, first thought Portman was joking when she proposed creating a women’s soccer team. , adding education for careers after the game.
Portman and her co-founders are more than revolutionizing women’s soccer; Their goal is to replace the landscape of the women’s game forever. Angel City players get a percentage of the ticket sale price, marking a revolutionary milestone in the women’s game.
Angel City Football Club has attracted attention only for its efforts on the pitch, but also for its illustrious investors. Hollywood icons like Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have also made their own foray into football. In addition, the Emmy-winning comedy series “Ted Lasso” contributed to the football frenzy in Hollywood.
The convergence of those corporations with that of Angel City shows the growing popularity of this sport.
“It was a smart moment because we were already on the road when those things came out,” Portman said. “It seems like a synergy. “