Full Breakdown
Angel City Football Club Welcomes New Investors
9/30/2025, 1:20:04 PM
New Ownership Group Expands ACFC's Vision
Angel City Football Club (ACFC) has announced the addition of four prominent investors to its ownership group: NBA star Chris Paul, philanthropist Solina Chau, organizational development consultant Ina Coleman, and entrepreneur Paul Bernon. This marks the first new round of investors since Willow Bay and Bob Iger acquired control of the team in July 2024. The club, valued at approximately $250 million, is recognized as the most valuable women’s soccer team globally.
Profiles of New Investors
Chris Paul, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and 12-time NBA All-Star, expressed his enthusiasm for joining ACFC, emphasizing the opportunity to support women’s sports and drive positive change. Solina Chau, co-founder of Horizons Ventures, brings a global perspective and a commitment to social impact, stating her excitement about being part of a movement that reshapes sports and community engagement. Ina Coleman, known for her advocacy in equity and inclusion, aims to amplify the club's mission of genuine representation. Paul Bernon, managing partner of PMB Ventures, highlighted his eagerness to contribute to ACFC's growth and social change.
Financial Growth and Market Position
Under the leadership of its new investors, ACFC has rapidly redefined standards in women’s sports. The club leads the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in attendance, fan engagement, and revenue, generating an estimated $35 million in 2024. It has achieved a record-high valuation of $280 million, making it one of the most valuable women’s professional sports teams worldwide. ACFC's innovative funding approach resembles that of a tech startup, having raised capital through multiple funding rounds.
Criticism and Challenges
Despite its financial success, ACFC has faced challenges on the field, making the playoffs only once in its first three seasons and currently ranking 11th out of 14 teams in the NWSL. Additionally, there have been tensions among the founding investors, particularly between Alexis Ohanian and the club's co-founders, Julie Uhrman, Kara Nortman, and Natalie Portman. This internal conflict led to the hiring of a bank to explore a potential sale, although all parties retained some investment after the transition to Bay and Iger.
Official Statements and Future Outlook
Willow Bay, ACFC's controlling owner, welcomed the new investors, stating that they exemplify the club's values and vision. The club aims to continue its trajectory of growth, blending competition with social impact. Paul Bernon remarked, “Angel City is rewriting the playbook for what a sports organization can and should be,” indicating a commitment to innovation and community engagement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s an incredible honor to join Angel City FC as an investor and owner,” — Chris Paul, NBA Star
- “I am delighted to join Angel City’s ownership group and to be part of a movement reshaping what’s possible in sports, equality, and community,” — Solina Chau, Philanthropist
- “Joining Angel City FC as an investor in the club allows me to help amplify a movement toward genuine inclusion and representation, both in sport and society,” — Ina Coleman, Consultant
- “I’m honored to join this ownership group and eager to contribute to the next phase of growth that blends competition, innovation, and lasting social change.” — Paul Bernon, Entrepreneur
The addition of these investors is expected to further enhance ACFC's impact both on and off the pitch, as the club continues to strive for excellence in women’s soccer.
