[WPS] Two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash and former Yahoo! President and Chief Operating Officer Jeff Mallett will become investors and part owners of Women's Professional Soccer, the women's league scheduled to begin play in 2009.

Their investment is specifically earmarked for new media ventures and initiatives and not into a team franchise.

"I am really excited to play a role in bringing professional women's soccer to North America," said Nash. "As a father of twin girls, I'm especially pleased to help young women around the world realize that their dreams of being a pro soccer player can indeed come true."

NASL was named British Colombia's prep MVP at Mount Douglas Secondary School before deciding to concentrate on soccer at Santa Clara University.

Nash's father, John, played professionally in South Africa. His sister, Joann, was the captain of the University of Victoria women's team, while his brother, Martin, plays professionally for the USL First Division's Vancouver Whitecaps and is a member of the Canadian national team.

Mallett, who also excelled at soccer in his youth in Canada, is as an adviser to WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci. He is also a principle investor and executive committee member of Major League Baseball's San Francisco Giants.