Willow Bay and Bob Iger have recently acquired a controlling stake in Angel City Football Club, the most valuable women’s professional sports team in the world. This investment, whose exact amount remains undisclosed, has put the team’s value at an impressive $250 million. In addition to this initial investment, Bay and Iger have committed to injecting an extra $50 million into the club to support its future growth. This move signifies a significant shift in ownership that is expected to further propel Angel City FC into the global spotlight.
As per the NWSL regulations, the controlling owners are required to possess a minimum stake of 35% in the team. This requirement sets the bar for Bay and Iger’s involvement in the team at a minimum of $87.5 million. Bay, a prominent figure in the sports industry, will be taking on a pivotal role in leading the Angel City FC board, solidifying her authority over the team’s strategic decisions and operations. This change in ownership comes at a time when women’s sports, particularly in the NWSL, have been experiencing a surge in popularity and investment.
Angel City FC, founded in 2020 by actress Natalie Portman, venture capitalist Kara Nortman, and entrepreneur Julie Urhman, has been at the forefront of advocating for female ownership and equal pay for women in sports. The team’s ownership group boasts a roster of sports icons, including Billie Jean King, Abby Wambach, Lindsey Vonn, and 13 former players from the U.S. Women’s National team. This diverse group of owners has been instrumental in driving the team’s mission of promoting equity for athletes and women-founded businesses.
Bay, a devoted sports enthusiast and the Dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, expressed her dedication to advancing Angel City FC’s mission of fostering equity both on and off the field. Through their investment in the club, Bay and Iger aim to accelerate the growth of Angel City FC and the NWSL as a whole. This injection of resources and capital is expected to propel the team to new heights and solidify its position as a leading organization in women’s sports.
Willow Bay and Bob Iger’s investment in Angel City Football Club marks a significant milestone in the team’s journey towards greater success and prominence in the world of women’s sports. With their leadership and commitment to advancing equity, the team is poised to make a lasting impact both on and off the field.