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Ovechkin, Managing Partner Steven Baldwin and Spirit Co-Captains Tori Huster and Aubrey Bledsoe will be available to the media today at 1 p.m. via Zoom
Washington, DC (May 10, 2021) – The Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced today that hockey star Alex Ovechkin and his wife Nastya Ovechkina have joined the club’s investor group along with a remarkable group of 11 women and men that have a tremendous passion for the DC and women’s soccer. Together, the group is committed to changing women’s sports and making an impact in our community. Today’s investor additions join an esteemed group of influential figures that includes Chelsea Clinton, Jenna Bush Hager, Briana Scurry and Dominique Dawes.
One of the greatest hockey players of all time, Ovechkin, who is in his 16th season in the NHL, currently ranks sixth in NHL history with 730 career goals and is currently two goals shy of passing Marcel Dionne for fifth all-time. Ovechkin is the only player in NHL history to lead the League in scoring and win the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy eight times – no other player in NHL history has received the trophy more than twice. In 2018, Ovechkin became the first Russian-born captain to win the Stanley Cup, and he is the only player in NHL history to receive the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy, the Calder Trophy, the Art Ross Trophy, the Hart Trophy, the Ted Lindsay Award and the Conn Smythe Trophy. Ovechkin’s mother, Tatyana Ovechkina, was a two-time Olympic gold medalist in basketball for Team Russia, while his father, Mikhail, was a professional soccer player.
“Nastya and I are very excited to join the Washington Spirit investor group,” said Ovechkin. “I’m excited to help grow women’s soccer in Washington DC. Being a huge soccer fan that I am, I can’t wait to attend the DC Spirit games and practices and help promote these great players!”
“I am delighted to welcome Alex, Nastya and their family to our investor group,” said Spirit Managing Partner Steve Baldwin. “Alex is one of the most iconic and successful athletes to ever represent a Washington sports franchise. Additionally, the work he and Nastya do in our community is remarkable and a great fit with the values of our club. It is incredibly exciting for our players, organization and fans to have the Ovechkin family join us in our mission of doing great things as we move forward together.”
As part of the Washington Spirit’s effort to be the premier franchise in the NWSL and expand its global footprint, the team has welcomed more than 40 distinguished individuals into the investor group in 2021. The club looks to expand the Spirit fanbase and build on the success the team has had since its inception in 2012.
In addition to Ovechkin, the club’s newest investors are:
- Carol Melton
- Michelle Freeman
- Jodie McLean
- Teresa Carlson
- Marion Reimers and Lenora Milán Fe
- Paxton Baker
- Chris and Bill Curtin
- John and Karen McJunkin
The Spirit will begin regular season play on May 16 against the Orlando Pride in Orlando. The Spirit’s first home game for the 2021 season will be held on May 26 against the Houston Dash at Segra Field. For tickets and additional information visit www.washingtonspirit.com.
