New Owners
Angel City FC (ACFC) will become the most valuable women’s professional sports team in the world, the club announced Wednesday.
The professional soccer franchise is entering into an agreement with Disney CEO, Bob Iger and Willow Bay, Dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. The husband and wife will be the new controlling owners of the club, which is said to soon be valued at $250 million.
The Purchase
Bay and Iger will acquire the controlling stake in ACFC at an enterprise value of $250 million, making it the most valuable women’s sports team in the world. Bay will serve on and have full control of the ACFC Board of Directors, will serve as the Controlling Owner for National Women’s Soccer League, LLC (NWSL) purposes, and will represent ACFC on the NWSL’s Board of Governors. Bay and Iger will invest an additional $50 million to support the Club’s future growth.
Historic Development
The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions including NWSL approval, marks a historic development for women’s sports and the beginning of a new era for Angel City.
Additional Investment
The additional capital and leadership from Bay and Iger will support and elevate ACFC in its ongoing efforts to be an innovative, best-in-class organization.
ACFC Endorsement
In an emphatic endorsement, the ACFC Board of Directors said, “Willow and Bob bring unparalleled operational experience, expertise, and passion to ACFC and to the NWSL. They’re lifelong sports fans who have been supporters of ACFC since the team’s founding. They are deeply committed to the Los Angeles community, having been residents, leaders and philanthropists in the city for almost three decades and have a long track record of dedicating their time and resources to support local Los Angeles organizations. We know they are the right partners to lead us into this new era – they are committed to further strengthening ACFC’s position as a preeminent organization and brand in women’s sports and to championing the team’s broader mission, including the advancement of equity for athletes and women-founded businesses. With their leadership, we will continue to harness the industry’s momentum and build on ACFC’s strong foundation of fan and community support.”
ACFC Ownership
The ACFC ownership group includes several sports icons including Billie Jean King, WNBA legend Candace Parker, 13 former players from the U.S. Women’s National Team including Julie Foudy, Mia Hamm, Lauren Cheney Holiday and Abby Wambach.
The Future of ACFC
In 2023, ACFC generated the highest revenue of any women’s team in the world. The Club was #1 in NWSL attendance, sponsorship revenue and total revenue, and has the largest season ticket membership. In addition, ACFC created an innovative sponsorship model that allocates 10% of sponsorship revenue back into the Los Angeles community. Currently in its third season in the NWSL, ACFCs roster includes former USWNT players Christen Press and Sydney Leroux. As well as, New Zealand National Team captain Ali Riley, and local phenoms Alyssa and Gisele Thompson.
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