Willow Bay and Bob Iger, the chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Co., have announced their acquisition of a controlling stake in Angel City Football Club (ACFC), the world’s most valuable women’s professional sports team. This investment comes at a time when women’s sports, particularly the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), are experiencing unprecedented growth in viewership, attendance, and financial backing.
The undisclosed amount of investment from Bay and Iger values ACFC at $250 million, with an additional $50 million earmarked for the club’s future growth. As per NWSL bylaws, controlling owners must own at least 35% of the team, which puts the minimum value of Bay and Iger’s purchase agreement at $87.5 million. Bay, who is a dean at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and a lifelong sports fan, will assume full control of the ACFC board.
Angel City FC was established in 2020 by actress Natalie Portman, venture capitalist Kara Nortman, and entrepreneur Julie Urhman. The ownership group also includes sports icons such as Billie Jean King, Abby Wambach, Lindsey Vonn, and several former players from the U.S. Women’s National team. The team has prioritized female ownership and equal pay for women.
However, tensions over finances and operations reportedly prompted the sale of the club. In light of this acquisition, all existing owners will remain involved in the new team structure. The involvement of Bay and Iger is seen as a positive development by the ACFC Board of Directors, who believe that the couple’s commitment to equity for athletes and women-founded businesses aligns with the team’s broader mission.
Bay expressed her dedication to advancing the club’s goal of promoting equity on and off the field. In her statement, she emphasized that the infusion of resources and capital through this investment will accelerate the growth of ACFC and the NWSL as a whole.
The partnership between Willow Bay, Bob Iger, and Angel City FC signifies a significant milestone for women’s sports. As the most valuable women’s professional sports team globally, ACFC’s success and the growing investment in women’s sports demonstrate the increasing recognition and support for female athletes. With Bay’s expertise in communications and Iger’s experience in leading one of the world’s most prominent entertainment companies, this collaboration has the potential to propel ACFC and the NWSL to even greater heights.
