Julie Uhrman
Julie Uhrman on Play Equity
Julie Uhrman
Keynote Speaker
Co-Founder and President, Angel City Football Club; The 50 Most Inspiration Figures in Sports, Sports Illustrated; Sports Business Journal Game Changer; 2024 ADWEEK Brand Genius Honoree; One of the Most Influential People in Sports Business, Business Journal; One of the Most Creative People in Business, Fast Company; Power 100, Outsports; Star, MAX's "Angel City"; Entrepreneur; Leader; Mom of two
Julie Uhrman embodies determination as she worked to build Angel City differently, not thinking of it as a sports team but as a platform for equity and impact, leading with passion and purpose to drive profitability. Angel City is the most globally recognized women’s sports team, leading the NWSL in attendance, ticketing revenue, sponsorship sales, and merchandising, while investing 10% of sponsorship dollars back into the community. Uhrman's leadership inspires others through a “never take no for an answer” mentality and her sheer passion to achieve her goals.
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Julie Uhrman'S SPEAKING FEE Under $25,000
Julie Uhrman is an accomplished entrepreneur and influential leader who has made an indelible mark in sports and entertainment. As the President and Co-founder of Angel City Football Club (ACFC), Uhrman has led the rise of the nation’s, if not the world’s, foremost women’s professional soccer team.
Fueled by her profound passion for sports and an unwavering commitment to gender equity, Julie Uhrman has been the driving force in bringing ACFC to life. Founded in 2020, Angel City Football Club aims to set higher expectations, leading with purpose in order to drive profitability while creating the most valuable and globally recognized sports team in the world. To date, the team has already achieved over USD $55,000,000 in sponsorships and is heralded for having the most valuable kit in women’s sports. The team reallocates 10% of its sponsorships back into the community, driving initiatives supporting equity, essentials, and education in Los Angeles. Uhrman’s legacy is one of transformation, where sports are not just a game, but a vehicle for empowerment and progress.
Before her involvement with ACFC, Uhrman made her mark in the technology and gaming sectors. She gained global recognition as the CEO and co-founder of OUYA, a gaming console company that garnered significant attention through a highly successful crowdfunding campaign where she raised $8.6M from 63,000 backers. Uhrman’s visionary leadership steered OUYA to become a prominent player in the gaming industry, boldly competing against Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, Apple, and Google, demonstrating her ability to successfully navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology and entertainment.
Julie Uhrman’s extensive experience in the entertainment and media industry includes prominent roles at companies such as Lionsgate, IGN Entertainment, and Vivendi Universal Games. Her contributions to these organizations involved developing and distributing video games, digital media, and online content, further solidifying her expertise in the field.
Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, Uhrman has been a steadfast advocate for gender equity and the empowerment of women in sports. She believes entertainment and sports are critical in shaping our collective cultural narratives. She holds a deep belief that sports can transcend barriers and resonate far beyond the field of play. She has built an incredible team, majority female-funded and female-run, creating access and opportunity for women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Not only has she strived to set new standards in the NWSL, but has also inspired and paved the way for future generations of female leaders and athletes.
As President and Co-founder of Angel City Football Club, Julie Uhrman continues to challenge the status quo by building Angel City FC differently, investing in her community, players, and fan experience. Her strategic vision and unwavering dedication have positioned ACFC as a catalyst for change, redefining what it means to be a sports franchise in the modern era.
Featured Videos
Julie Uhrman
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Julie Uhrman
Angel City: Official Trailer
Julie Uhrman
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Julie Uhrman
Julie Uhrman on Soccer and Storytelling
Julie Uhrman
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Julie Uhrman
Julie Uhrman on Play Equity
Julie Uhrman’s Speech Topics
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Leading with Purpose While Driving Profit
Purpose and profit are not mutually exclusive. Indeed, as ambiguity and uncertainty continue to shape the backdrop against which countless organizations operate, the only thing that stays constant is purpose and values. Every organization has a role to play in this regard and leaders should think about the specific skills, resources and core competencies at their disposal. Their consumers and fans are increasingly making decisions on the basis of how they live out those values. The audience will learn how building and leading an organization purposefully and partnering with your community can drive greater success for your employees, shareholders, and community. Vision alone isn’t enough but conviction to lead ahead of results takes courage and passion.
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Accelerating Equity in Sport
For generations, women and other marginalized groups have been fighting for equity and full participation in social, economic, civic, and political life. Progress has been slow and women’s control over resources, decision-making power, and ability to shape policies and perceptions is still woefully low, particularly in the sports industry. Angel City FC has demonstrated what is possible when you deliberately redistribute power and financial control. Julie Uhrman and her team are part of the leaders spearheading these shifts in women’s sports, transforming it for generations to come. Audiences will learn about the trends and opportunities that can contribute to advancing this shift towards equity across the sector. Being intentional about how you make decisions, who you hire, and how you share your stories can have a meaningful impact within your organization and a ripple effect across the industry.
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Building a Loyal Following Through Storytelling
For centuries, stories have been how we connect with others, how we nurture community, how we build trust and transcend our differences. From a brand perspective, Angel City FC has demonstrated how telling a compelling story is critical to engaging fans, potential owners, and community in a way where they become your evangelists, even before your product is even available. The audience will learn about the work that went into crafting Angel City’s authentic story from its inception as well as the foundational elements that make it distinct and dynamic over time – continuing to feel resonant to loyal followers and drawing in new audiences.
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Sports Built by Women
Angel City FC is the only female-founded, female-owned, and female-led team in professional sports that resides in Los Angeles, the sports capital of the world. In less than four years the team has become the highest-valued women’s professional team, driving eight-figure sponsorship revenue and sold-out games. Angel City is pioneering a new model and setting standards for the industry. In this session the audience will learn about traditional trends and practices in the sports sector and why the emergence of new women leaders like Julie and some of her peers has the potential to dramatically reshape the industry.
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