Kelley O'Hara Opens Up About Broadcasting Career, Atlanta NWSL Expansion and Retirement

"It just feels like a miss." That's how Kelley O'Hara describes the one opportunity she never had — suiting up professionally in Atlanta, the city where she watched the 1996 Olympics as a youngster and decided to represent her country on the pitch.

O'Hara hung up her boots in 2024 with NJ/NY Gotham FC following an illustrious career that included two World Cup championships (2015, 2019), Olympic gold in 2012, Olympic bronze in 2021, NWSL titles in 2021 and 2023, plus a Women's Professional Soccer championship in 2010. The NWSL confirmed Atlanta's expansion as the league's 17th franchise in 2025 — owned by Arthur Blank, who also controls Atlanta United and the NFL's Falcons — with play set to begin in 2028. Unfortunately for O'Hara, it came four years after her retirement.

"That would have been the dream," she revealed on the Full Time podcast. The Atlanta Beat had actually signed her before the 2012 WPS campaign, but the league collapsed just days afterward. She also held discussions with Atlanta United's management about a potential women's side. The timing never worked out.

France 2019 stands above the rest

When asked to rank her career achievements, O'Hara doesn't hesitate: the 2019 World Cup in France claims top spot. She featured in six of seven matches, provided the assist for Christen Press' opening goal in the semifinal victory against England, and ensured the celebrations were unforgettable. "Nobody's sleeping for the next 96 hours. Let's go!" Her 2021 NWSL championship with Washington Spirit ranks second — "I wanted that just as bad as a World Cup" — demonstrating her commitment to domestic football during an era when many players viewed the NWSL as secondary to international duty.

She's now constructing a second career in broadcasting. CBS has brought her on board for studio analysis covering the NWSL and UEFA Women's Champions League alongside Darian Jenkins, Janelly Farías, and Jen Beattie. Her debut live broadcast was a fan-zone pre-match show at the 2022 NWSL championship with Ali Riley — minimal pressure, completely improvised. "They're just letting us rip. That's a choice," she said with a laugh.

Authentic analysis without pretence

What she's discovered in broadcasting reflects what made her beloved as a player: she remains genuine. "I'm just going to say it like it is, and I'm not trying to be anything that I'm not." For a sport still battling for mainstream media credibility in the United States, that authenticity is crucial — pundits who sound rehearsed don't advance the conversation.

She indicates she'd "love to be involved" with Atlanta's expansion side, though she hasn't been contacted by the club yet. Considering her prominence in the city and her broadcasting profile, that discussion appears inevitable. Whether it materializes on-camera or in an off-air capacity remains to be seen.

And the toughest aspect of media life after elite competition? "Getting hair and makeup every day."