ManningCast Makes History With First Soccer Guest Midge Purce

NWSL champion Midge Purce is set to appear on ESPN’s ManningCast this Monday. She will join Peyton and Eli Manning during the New York Giants vs. New England Patriots broadcast. This marks a historic crossover moment for soccer.

Purce becomes the first professional footballer ever featured on the popular alternate broadcast. According to Sports Illustrated, the Gotham FC forward is honored by the invitation. The appearance highlights the growing cultural reach of women’s sports.

A Unique Crossover for Football and Soccer

The ManningCast is in its fifth season on ESPN2. It typically features major athletes and celebrities from various sports. Past guests have included LeBron James, Sue Bird, and Caitlin Clark.

Midge Purce’s inclusion is a significant nod to the NWSL. Her recent championship win with Gotham FC adds to the timing. Eli Manning is also a minority owner of Gotham FC, creating a natural link.

This move bridges fanbases of the NFL and professional soccer. It offers mainstream exposure for a league that just concluded a record-breaking season. The Manning brothers have both shown direct interest in women’s soccer.

Peyton Manning recently invested in the NWSL’s new Denver expansion team. This shared connection makes Purce’s interview a seamless fit. The conversation will likely blend NFL analysis with NWSL insights.

Broadening the Spotlight on Women’s Sports

Purce’s landmark appearance signals a shift in media representation. Major sports platforms are increasingly integrating women athletes into flagship programming. This provides stars like Purce a platform beyond traditional soccer coverage.

The impact extends to fans and young athletes. They see a top soccer player sharing the screen with NFL legends. It validates women’s sports as a central part of the broader sports conversation.

For the NWSL, this is invaluable free marketing during the NFL’s primetime window. It introduces league champions to millions of casual football fans. The crossover promotes the sport’s personalities and competitive drama.

Midge Purce’s ManningCast debut is a milestone for soccer’s place in American sports culture. It reflects the rising profile of the NWSL and its charismatic stars. This historic moment promises to captivate fans from both worlds on Monday night.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the ManningCast?

The ManningCast is an alternate Monday Night Football broadcast on ESPN2. It is hosted by retired NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning. The show features guest interviews and casual analysis during the game.

Who is Midge Purce?

Midge Purce is a forward for Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League. She was named MVP of the 2023 NWSL championship game. She is also a former Harvard student and has performed on Broadway.

Why is this appearance significant?

Purce is the first professional soccer player, male or female, to be a guest on the ManningCast. It marks a growing recognition of women’s soccer in mainstream American sports media. The appearance follows Gotham FC’s recent NWSL title win.

What is Eli Manning’s connection to Gotham FC?

Eli Manning is a minority owner of the NWSL’s Gotham FC. His involvement has helped raise the club’s profile since his investment. This connection facilitated Purce’s invitation to the broadcast.

When does the ManningCast with Midge Purce air?

The broadcast airs live on ESPN2 on Monday, December 1st. It starts at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. It will run concurrently with the Giants vs. Patriots game on ESPN.