Elizabeth Banks wants to leave a legacy.
As Banks, 50, and Boston Unity Soccer Partners announce National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team, BOS Nation, the Charlie’s Angels actress tells PEOPLE exclusively why she’s investing in the team. spoke.
“Actually, a long time ago, I was asked to be an investor in Angel City here in Los Angeles,” said Banks, whose team was co-founded by Natalie Portman, which is the inspiration for HBO’s 2023 docuseries. mentioned. Angel City.
“I didn’t feel a real connection” to the team in Los Angeles, Banks said. “I mean, I love L.A. and I live here, but this is not my home.”
The Hunger Games actress ultimately turned down Portman’s offer to invest in the club, though she felt Angel City had “a lot of great women, women founders, and women investors involved.” That invitation “planted the seed that this was possible,” he said. bank.
“Well, I thought it would be really interesting to do something in the future.”
When Banks learned Boston was in the running for an expansion team in the NWSL (which will begin play in 2026), “it just felt right to me,” the Massachusetts native said.
“I’ve been thinking about my heritage where I grew up, which has helped shape me into the woman I am today, and I felt like this was a great opportunity,” Banks said of her Let’s talk about investment.
Elizabeth Banks arrives at “Elizabeth Banks & Archer Ruth Wine: Celebrating the Next Generation of Women Filmmakers” during Sundance at UTA House in Park City, Utah on January 21st.
Susie Pratt/Getty
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Banks says his greatest hope is that BOS Nation’s presence will allow the team to “give back to the community” when it begins play in 2026. The city of Boston has such a rich history in sports, and we’re really excited to bring a female-led sports franchise to the city. ”
Beyond giving back to the city of Boston, Banks said she felt investing in the women’s soccer team was in line with the moral “legacy” she wanted to leave behind.
“So I’m halfway through my life at this point, so I have to start thinking seriously about what kind of impression I’m going to leave on my children and the people who come after me. The City of Boston Supports Female Athletes It’s an exciting opportunity and a perfect example of what I want to do in the future.”
Jennifer Epstein, general owner of BOS Nation, told PEOPLE that Banks will “promote gender equality, provide opportunities for women and girls to express their talents, and break down barriers in traditionally male-dominated spaces.” “We understand the importance of women’s sport as it is essential to truly breaking through.” ” issued an exclusive statement.
“Her support in building this team has been outstanding and we are thrilled to be working with her,” Epstein added.
Banks said he hopes the team is “really competitive” when it plays in its inaugural season in 2026. “I mean, if you’re a Boston team, you better come out and win.” he joked.
