Tobin Heath to Lead Player Advisory Council Including Caroline Seger, Anita Asante, Kelley O’Hara, and Laura Georges Driving Strategy and Innovation in the Series' Development
DAZN to be Global Broadcasting, Production, and Marketing Partner
NEW YORK CITY (March 20, 2025)— A revolutionary grand slam series for professional women footballers is set to launch in May 2025. “World Sevens Football” (W7F) introduces an electrifying seven-a-side format that promises fast, high-scoring matches, global exposure, and game-changing financial opportunities for players and clubs.
With a staggering $5 million prize pool per event, W7F sets a new standard in women’s football, delivering unparalleled rewards for players and clubs. The inaugural tournament is scheduled to take place from May 21-23 in Estoril, Portugal, with future events planned in football-loving cities across the United States, Mexico, Asia, Europe, and beyond.
Unlike traditional 11-a-side matches, W7F’s short-format, high-intensity games will take place on a field half the size of a typical football pitch with seven players on each side, two 15-minute halves, and extra time for tie-breakers. This fast-paced, technical, and dynamic format is designed to maximize action, engagement and entertainment for fans.
The leadership team behind W7F is composed of former footballers who are steadfast in their commitment to supporting players and accelerating the growth of the women’s game.
W7F is backed by co-founder, philanthropist, and minority owner of the NWSL’s Gotham FC and WSL’s Chelsea FC, Jennifer Mackesy. "World Sevens Football is designed to elevate the women’s game, providing players with a powerful new platform to showcase their talent, grow their personal brands, and provide economic opportunity in a way that truly reflects their value. Building and developing a club takes time; being able to make an immediate impact on women's football is incredibly exciting, and supporting players and clubs is what we have set out to do."
The leadership team is growing rapidly and currently includes co-founder and CEO Justin Fishkin, and former USWNT player, two-time gold medalist, two-time WWC bronze medalist, and Bay FC co-founder Aly Wagner as Chief of Strategy.
“We are seeing unprecedented investment into women’s football - clubs, players, facilities, and technology - all as a result of the long overdue realization that there is a proven product that has been waiting for the flow of capital to accelerate market expansion,” said Wagner. “World Sevens Football is creating a series around a 7v7 format that brings fans closer to the game and the players they love. Simply put, fans will have a front-row seat to watch the world's best players, and this time with more touches and more freedom to create and take risks. It is truly a dream format for fans and players alike."
W7F is putting players at the heart of the game by developing an active Player Advisory Council led by Tobin Heath, a former USWNT player, two-time World Cup winner, and two-time Olympic gold medalist.
"Being part of World Sevens Football from its inception is incredibly meaningful to me. W7F is creating a future where women footballers have greater opportunities, financial security, and a bigger platform to connect with fans. This is about legacy—about changing the game for generations to come. And as a 1v1 artist myself, this format is a dream stage for those duels." said Tobin Heath.
This elite group will play a critical role in shaping player care and welfare, competition strategy, and the positive long-term impact on players and clubs.
Other player representatives on the Player Advisory Council include:
World Sevens Football and DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, have agreed to a global broadcasting, production, and marketing partnership. This partnership will ensure that fans everywhere can watch every match live, access behind-the-scenes content, and follow the journey of their favorite players.
Hannah Brown, co-CEO of Women’s Sports at DAZN, said: “We are honored to be the global media partner for World Sevens Football. The fast-paced format, top class global talent and record-breaking prize pool makes this new competition a major milestone for the game. DAZN is committed to showcasing the biggest moments in sport - driving innovation to accelerate growth, expand audiences and create long-term value for our partners.”
Brown continues: “Leveraging DAZN’s global sports platform, audience networks, brand and broadcast partnership capabilities, we will work hand-in-hand with World Sevens Football. Together we will deliver a competition that will be a driving force for growth, innovation and investment in women’s football.”
With viewership records shattered, investment surging, and global interest at an all-time high, W7F aims to become one of women's football's most exciting, financially rewarding, and transformative competitions.
ENDS
