Angel City FC Named World’s Most Valuable Women’s Sports Team

Angel City FC has become the most valuable professional women’s sports team in the world after completing a historic $373 million (AUD) ownership deal.

Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger and his wife, Willow Bay, announced the purchase of the United States women’s soccer team on Thursday (AEST).

The statement confirmed that the pair have purchased the club for an undisclosed sum, with a further $74 million (AUD) being invested in the team’s future development.

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According to the NWSL bylaws, controlling owners must own a minimum of 35 percent of the team. With that, Iger and Bay have confirmed that they have signed a minimum $130 million (AUD) deal.

Bay will serve on Angel City’s board of directors and have full control over it. The board will include actress Natalie Portman and the club’s former owner, Alexis Ohanian, the husband of tennis legend Serena Williams.

The club was founded in 2020 by Portman and entrepreneur Julie Uhrman, who will remain on the board. The team has several retired athletes as investors, including Billy Jean King, Abby Wambach and Lindsey Vonn.

The new ownership agreement ends the $179.5 million sale of the San Diego Wave in March, which previously broke the record price for a team in the National Women’s Soccer League.

“As fans and friends of ACFC, we are proud to welcome this team as our owners at this historic moment in the sport,” Bat said in a statement.

“ACFC and these incredible athletes have already made a tremendous 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.”

The sale, which is pending league approval, comes at a time when women’s sports and the NWSL have experienced rapid growth in television ratings and attendance.

Last year, Angel City FC generated the highest revenue of any women’s team worldwide and was the team with the highest attendance in the NWSL.

“Women’s sports are a culture-defining force right now,” Bay told the Los Angeles Times.

“Participation is increasing, viewership is increasing and the appreciation for the level of skill these athletes are demonstrating is also increasing.

“We really believe that all of these things contribute to the momentum that we think this team has.”

Angel City currently sits in 11th place in the NWSL standings, with just four wins from 16 games.