LOS ANGELES — Angel City Football Club (ACFC) is poised to achieve a historic milestone as the world’s most valuable professional women’s sports team following the finalization of a groundbreaking ownership agreement with Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger and his wife, Willow Bay, the club announced on Wednesday.
Under the terms of the agreement, Iger and Bay will assume control of Angel City in a transaction that values the club at $250 million. This figure surpasses the previous record of $120 million set by the sale of the San Diego Wave in March, marking a significant moment for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
“In joining ACFC, these incredible athletes have already made a significant impact on the NWSL, women’s soccer, and the Los Angeles community,” said Willow Bay in a statement. “Through this investment, we aim to accelerate the club’s growth and contribute to the broader advancement of women’s sports.”
Pending approval from the league, the sale will include an undisclosed investment from Iger and Bay, with $50 million earmarked as capital infusion to support the club’s future initiatives.
“We believe that Bob and Willow are the ideal partners to lead us into this new phase. They are dedicated to enhancing ACFC’s standing as a premier organization and brand in women’s sports, while advocating for athlete equity and women-founded businesses,” commented the ACFC board of directors.
Bay will assume leadership of the club’s board, maintaining continuity with previous owner Alexis Ohanian, Reddit founder, and other board members including actor Natalie Portman, entrepreneur Julie Uhrman, and early investor Gillian Berry.
Founded in 2020 by Portman, Uhrman, and venture capitalist Kara Nortman, Angel City has garnered support from a diverse group of investors, including retired athletes Billie Jean King, Abby Wambach, and Lindsey Vonn, as well as actors Jennifer Garner and Eva Longoria.
“This marks just the beginning. I’m eager to witness continued investment and the ongoing growth of Angel City, with the vision of establishing it as the premier brand in all of women’s professional sports,” Ohanian remarked to Reuters earlier this year.
Despite challenges on the field this season, where they currently rank 11th in the NWSL standings, three points shy of playoff contention, Angel City has excelled commercially. Since their inaugural season in 2022, the club has attracted substantial commercial partnerships, a strong season-ticket base, and consistently packed stadiums. In 2023, they led all women’s teams globally in revenue and topped the NWSL in sponsorship and total earnings. Angel City also boasted the league’s second-highest average attendance, drawing an impressive 19,756 fans per game.
The pending sale to Iger and Bay marks a pivotal moment for Angel City, positioning the club for continued growth and prominence within women’s sports on a global scale.
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