In a major development for women’s sports, Willow Bay and Bob Iger have taken a controlling stake in Angel City Football Club, the most valuable women’s professional sports team in the world. This investment, which remains undisclosed, has valued the team at an impressive $250 million. Additionally, Bay and Iger have committed to investing an additional $50 million in the club’s future growth. This move marks a significant milestone for the team and reflects the continued growth and success of women’s sports, particularly in the National Women’s Soccer League.
As part of the agreement, Willow Bay will serve on and have full control of the Angel City FC board, signaling a new era of leadership for the team. The ACFC Board of Directors expressed confidence in Bay and Iger, stating that they are the right partners to lead the team into the future. Their commitment to strengthening ACFC’s position as a leading organization in women’s sports and their dedication to advancing equity for athletes and women-founded businesses align with the team’s broader mission.
Founded in 2020 by actress Natalie Portman, venture capitalist Kara Nortman, and entrepreneur Julie Urhman, Angel City FC has quickly established itself as a powerhouse in women’s sports. With a diverse ownership group that includes sports icons like Billie Jean King, Abby Wambach, and Lindsey Vonn, the team has prioritized female ownership and equal pay for women. The new investment from Bay and Iger is expected to accelerate the growth of the club and the NWSL as a whole.
Willow Bay, a lifelong sports fan and Dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, expressed her commitment to advancing equity both on and off the field. With the infusion of resources and capital from Bay and Iger, Angel City FC aims to drive further growth and success for the club and the NWSL. This investment signals a new chapter for women’s sports and underscores the potential for continued growth and success in the years to come.
The partnership between Willow Bay, Bob Iger, and Angel City Football Club represents a significant milestone for women’s sports. With a focus on equity, diversity, and growth, the team is poised to make a lasting impact on the world of sports and beyond. This new era in women’s sports holds immense promise for the future of athletes, fans, and communities around the world.