Angel City is set to become the world’s most valuable professional women’s sports team following a groundbreaking new ownership agreement with Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger and his wife, Willow Bay, the Los Angeles-based club announced on Wednesday.
The deal will see Iger and Bay become the controlling owners of Angel City, valuing the club at an impressive $250 million. This valuation surpasses the previous record of $120 million set by the San Diego Wave sale in March for a National Women’s Soccer League team.
In a statement, Bay expressed excitement about joining Angel City as owners, noting their admiration for the club and its impact on the NWSL, women’s soccer, and the Los Angeles community. “With this investment of resources and capital, we hope to accelerate the growth of the Club and the NWSL,” she said.
The sale, pending league approval, will include a $50 million capital injection to fund the club’s future growth. The ACFC Board of Directors expressed confidence in Iger and Bay’s leadership, stating, “They are committed to further strengthening ACFC’s position as a preeminent organization and brand in women’s sports.”
Bay will take full control of the club’s board, which will still include previous and founding controlling owner Alexis Ohanian, actress Natalie Portman, entrepreneur Julie Uhrman, and early investor Gillian Berry. Angel City, founded in 2020 by Portman, Uhrman, and venture capitalist Kara Nortman, boasts a list of high-profile investors including Billie Jean King, Abby Wambach, Lindsey Vonn, Jennifer Garner, and Eva Longoria.
Ohanian expressed his excitement about the continued investment in Angel City, aiming to build it into the biggest brand in women’s professional sports. Since their debut season in 2022, Angel City has amassed numerous commercial partners, season-ticket holders, and played to packed stadiums. In 2023, the club generated the highest revenue of any women’s team globally and led the NWSL in attendance, sponsorship, and total revenue.
Angel City plays its home games at BMO Stadium, also home to Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development as Angel City continues to pave the way in women’s sports.
