Recently, Angel City Football Club, the world’s most valuable women’s professional sports team, made headlines with the announcement that Willow Bay and Bob Iger would be taking a controlling stake in the team. This move comes as the National Women’s Soccer League is experiencing explosive growth in viewership and attendance.
Investment Details
The investment, amounting to an undisclosed sum, has valued the team at an impressive $250 million. Additionally, Bay and Iger have committed to inject an additional $50 million into the club for its future growth. It’s worth noting that according to NWSL bylaws, controlling owners must own a minimum of 35% of the team, translating into a purchase agreement of at least $87.5 million for Bay and Iger.
Ownership Structure
Bay will not only serve on the Angel City FC board but will also have complete control over it. This ownership change marks a new era for the team, with a focus on strengthening its position as a leading organization in women’s sports and championing the advancement of equity for athletes and women-founded businesses.
Founded in 2020 by actress Natalie Portman, venture capitalist Kara Nortman, and entrepreneur Julie Urhman, Angel City FC has been at the forefront of prioritizing female ownership and advocating for equal pay for women. With a roster of sports icons such as Billie Jean King, Abby Wambach, and Lindsey Vonn among others, the team has been a trailblazer in women’s sports.
Bay, a devoted sports fan and the Dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, has expressed her commitment to advancing the club’s mission of driving equity both on and off the field. This new investment signifies a step towards accelerating the growth of the Club and the NWSL as a whole, with a vision for a bright future ahead.
The involvement of Willow Bay and Bob Iger as controlling stakeholders in Angel City Football Club signals a promising evolution for the team and the broader landscape of women’s sports. With a focus on equity, growth, and innovation, the team is poised to continue its trajectory as a powerhouse in the realm of professional sports.