Storied Sports Announces “Origin Story: The 85ers” Chronicling the Untold Journey of the First U.S. Women’s National Team

December 4, 2025

Presented by adidas and co-produced by Michelle Akers, the seven-part audio series explores how 17 women ignited a movement that changed women’s sports forever

“Origin Story: The 85ers” Premieres December 10 and the Official Trailer is Now Available

Studio City, CA & Old Greenwich, CT (December 4, 2025) /SPORTSWIRE WOMEN/ — Storied Sports today announced Origin Story, a new documentary-style audio series uncovering the untold beginnings of the most pivotal moments in women’s sports history. The debut season, The 85ers, dives deep into the remarkable, largely undocumented origins of the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), when seventeen women took the field under extraordinary circumstances: no pay, no uniforms, no fanfare.

From the early challenges and hard-won breakthroughs to the enduring ripple effects felt across generations, The 85ers is the definitive account of how the USWNT began—and how these trailblazers laid the foundation for what would become the most dominant team in women’s sports history.

The seven-part narrative series is co-produced by Michelle Akers, one of the greatest players in soccer history and founding member of the 1985 USWNT. Akers was awarded FIFA Player of the Century as a two-time World Cup champion, Olympic gold medalist, and FIFA Golden Boot recipient. The podcast features never-before-heard interviews, rare archival audio, and reflections from today’s stars on the legacy of the original pioneers. Voices include all 17 members of the 1985 team, USWNT icons Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, Brandi Chastain, Becky Sauerbrunn and Kristine Lilly; and current players Lindsey Heaps, Sam Meza and Emily Sams. Seattle Reign forward and USWNT member Mia Fishel also played a special role in announcing the adidas and Storied Sports partnership earlier this summer.

“In 1985, I was one of seventeen women who boarded a plane to Italy to play in the first-ever U.S. Women’s National Team match,” says Akers. “With no media coverage, no funding, and no guarantees, we had no idea we’d ignite a movement that would become the most dominant force in women’s soccer. We were just a group of women who loved soccer and were fighting for a chance to play. We believed—quietly, stubbornly—that something bigger was possible. The story of that team has lived in our memories for decades, but it’s rarely been told in full. With 2025 marking the 40th anniversary, this is the perfect moment to share it and transport listeners back to where it all began.”

“This is the story that started it all, told through the voices of the women who lived it and those who followed in their footsteps,” says Jaymee Messler, co-founder and co-CEO of Storied Sports. “Origin Story: The 85ers finally gives voice to those early days and honors the women who built the foundation for everything the U.S. women’s program would become. What drove them when there was no pay, no support, and no reason to believe it would ever matter? This season answers that question, and reveals how their belief sparked a movement that reshaped women’s sports forever.”

Nearly 40 years later, The 85ers are reclaiming their legacy—not only to be honored, but to build their own business and drive revenue-generating opportunities. With Storied Sports, they created the first athlete-owned LLC by a team, with all 17 players represented, trademarked their brand, and established a platform to turn history into equity. Partnerships have already been secured with adidas, the team’s first jersey partner in 1985, The Realest and Seattle Reign FC.

“With Origin Story: The 85ers, we are honoring the grit, sacrifice, and courage of the original 17 athletes who laid the groundwork for a dynasty to come,” says Laura Gentile, co-founder and co-CEO of Storied Sports. Their vision and voices deserve to be amplified and celebrated. The 85ers, led by Michelle, set the standard and inspired generations of women athletes.”

“At adidas, we believe that sport has the power to change lives, and that includes preserving and sharing the stories that shape the sport landscape,” says Erik Mendoza, adidas Director Brand Communications Soccer. “We’re incredibly proud to partner with Storied Sports to bring the inspiring and often untold stories of these pioneering women to a wider audience. Storied Sports’ dedication to authentic storytelling aligns perfectly with our values, and we’re confident that this podcast will not only honor the legacy of the 1985 USWNT but also empower future generations.”

The 85ers series premieres December 10, on all major podcast platforms, with new episodes released every weekday. Listen to the trailer HERE.

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About Storied Sports

Storied Sports is a next-generation content studio and marketplace that partners with athletes, brands, and media to build storytelling and commercial platforms. We’re building the cultural home for women in sport – a platform where legacy becomes livelihood and impact becomes equity. We empower athletes to own their stories, build lasting value, and reshape the future of sports through storytelling, equity, and community. Our mission is to create a new model for ownership and equity in sports.

About adidas

adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany, the company employs more than 62,000 people across the globe and generated sales of € 23.7 billion in 2024.

For more information, please visit www.adidas-Group.com.