US soccer star Ali Krieger has welcomed the appointment of Lisa Baird as the league's new commissioner.

It is the first time in three years that the event has had a commissioner and Krieger is confident Baird will be a valuable asset to women's soccer in the country.

“It’s so important that we feel that we are important and we’re taken serious," she said.

“I think that’s the first step, because people care about women’s soccer. I just see that they’re valuing us a lot more and they want what’s best for us.

"That starts with having a commissioner and having someone in place that really cares and is going to do a good job and is going to help this game grow.”

Fellow Orlando Pride player Ashlyn Harris added: "I think what everyone’s going to start noticing is the progress we’re making in NWSL, whether it’s financially, whether it’s small things like staff and putting people in positions to continue to grow the game.

“We’re definitely making strides, and I think we’re in a really good place with the league and we’re going to continue to grow.”

Baird's role encompasses communication between the league and the teams, attracting more media attention to women's soccer and to make the league globally accessible.

The NWSL season starts back up again on April 18.