0
0
January 29, 2026 — Women’s Elite Rugby (WER), the first professional women’s rugby league in the United States, today announced the successful closing of its seed round, marking a major milestone in the league’s growth and long‑term development as it moves toward preseason in April and the kickoff of its 2026 season on Saturday, May 2. Among participation from several early supporters, this round also featured investment from a Grammy Award-winning artist, whose involvement will be announced at a later date.
As part of the seed round, Carolina Soccer Ventures, LLC has also joined WER’s investor group. Carolina Soccer Ventures is a sports and entertainment holding company based in High Point, North Carolina, investing at the intersection of competition, community, and opportunity. The company partners with leagues and organizations that prioritize athlete development, long‑term ecosystem growth, and durable business models. Their investment reflects a belief that well‑built sports platforms can drive both competitive excellence and meaningful economic impact.
Additionally, GG Ventures, Europe’s first dedicated investment platform for the Female Performance Stack, also announced its investment in WER, with Founding General Partner Priya Oberoi joining the WER Board of Directors. In discussing the firm’s decision, Oberoi noted WER exemplifies GG Ventures’ investment thesis, saying that women’s sports are not simply an entertainment asset but a high‑trust, high‑velocity distribution engine for precision health, longevity, and performance technologies.
Kailynn Hampton / Photo: Jackie Finlan, The Rugby Breakdown
Both Deb Henretta, a former Procter & Gamble C-suite executive with extensive public company experience, and Cameron Rhode, a passionate advocate for women’s sports and an investor deeply committed to amplifying women’s voices, also participated in the seed round. Conversations around the upcoming Series A raise are already underway as WER continues to build a durable, scalable foundation for the league’s future.
The close of the seed round positions Women’s Elite Rugby for continued expansion, enhanced athlete support, and the development of a sustainable professional pathway for women in the sport. Additional updates will follow as the league progresses toward the 2026 season.