Angel City FC Becomes World’s Priciest Women’s Sports Team

Angel City FC has made headlines as the world’s most expensive women’s sports team following a landmark $250 million (£192.3 million) acquisition. The Los Angeles-based club has been acquired by a prominent US couple, Willow Bay and Bob Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company, who now assume control as the club’s new owners. This investment marks the highest valuation ever recorded for a women’s professional sports team, surpassing the previous record set by the $120 million (£92.2 million) sale of the San Diego Wave in March.

Former owner Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and spouse to tennis star Serena Williams will retain a position on the board. Ohanian expressed confidence in Angel City FC’s potential, envisioning it as the premier brand in women’s professional sports. In addition to the acquisition, Bay and Iger have pledged an extra $50 million (£38.4 million) to bolster the club’s future growth initiatives. Established only in 2020, Angel City FC has swiftly risen to prominence, achieving the highest revenue among all women’s teams worldwide by 2023.

Despite its recent formation, the club’s rapid growth and financial success underline its strong potential in the competitive landscape of women’s sports. Sporting-wise, Angel City FC currently stands 11th in the NWSL standings, having secured four victories in 16 matches this season. As they continue their journey in the league, the club aims to leverage its newfound financial backing to enhance both its on-field performance and off-field influence in women’s sports globally.

The acquisition by Bay and Iger not only underscores the growing investment interest in women’s sports but also positions Angel City FC at the forefront of this burgeoning sector, poised for further growth and success in the years ahead.