Angel City FC Set to Become Most Valuable Women’s Sports Team
Angel City FC has achieved the distinction of becoming the world’s most valuable women’s sports team following an agreement where Willow Bay and Bob Iger will acquire a controlling interest in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club at a valuation of $250 million. Bay, the dean of the University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, will take on the role of controlling owner for the Los Angeles-based franchise and will represent the team on the NWSL board of governors, according to a statement released by the club.
Bay and her husband Iger, the chief executive of The Walt Disney Company, have committed an additional $50 million to support the club’s future growth, bringing their total investment to over $100 million, as reported by The Los Angeles Times.
The transaction remains subject to approval by the NWSL board of governors.
This investment marks a historic high valuation for a women’s professional sports team, surpassing the previous record set when the San Diego Wave was sold for $120 million in March.
“Women’s sports is experiencing a defining cultural moment,” Bay commented to The Los Angeles Times. “Participation rates are increasing, viewership is rising, and there is growing appreciation for the exceptional skill level demonstrated by these athletes. We firmly believe that these factors contribute to the existing momentum behind this team.”
Alexis Ohanian, the founder of Reddit and husband of tennis star Serena Williams, who was the previous owner of Angel City, will continue to serve on the club’s board.
Founded in 2020, Angel City FC achieved the highest revenue among all women’s teams globally in 2023. The club also led the NWSL in attendance, sponsorship revenue, total revenue, and boasted the largest season ticket membership.
Currently, Angel City FC ranks 11th out of 14 teams in the league standings, with four wins from 16 matches, trailing league leaders Orlando Pride by 23 points.
