Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, is creating a ruckus with his new play into women’s football. He is widely recognized as the husband of tennis great Serena Williams. The entrepreneur acquired a 10 percent share in Chelsea Women, reportedly worth around £20 million. This extraordinary acquisition now gives him a seat on the MGA club’s board. Chelsea Women is indelibly etched in the history books. Manchester City is one match away from doing the domestic treble, with a huge final against Manchester United at Wembley scheduled for Sunday in the Women’s FA Cup.
This isn’t Ohanian’s first venture into women’s football. He was the majority stakeholder in Angel City FC. As a step in the right direction, he co-founded this All-American team to uplift women’s football. In 2024, Angel City FC achieved a significant milestone when it was sold for a women’s record of £192.3 million, highlighting Ohanian’s commitment to advancing the sport. His recent investment in the Chelsea Women’s team values the club at £200 million. It’s a clear move that recognizes the greater interest in, and investment in, women’s sports.
Emma Bompastor, the coach of Chelsea Women, welcomed Ohanian’s arrival. It’s with that in mind that she hopes his investment will lift Chelsea Women to the next level. It will further ensure their hegemonic place atop the women’s game. Bompastor’s top priority will be to keep Chelsea competitive, but focus on creating an environment that grows and nurtures players and success. She’s enthusiastic about the investment. She hasn’t had the chance to engage with it with her players yet, and she hasn’t met Ohanian in real life.
Ohanian’s timing couldn’t be better, as Chelsea Women are on the cusp of a major transition. Earlier this year, Chelsea FC Holdings sold the team to a sister company within the conglomerate for £200 million. One of the biggest marks of this transaction is the increasing valuation and interest in women’s football. Ohanian has brought money to Chelsea Women’s team. This substantial investment will build up their existing resources and help establish new player development and recruitment strategies.
At 42 years old, Ohanian is a veritable legend in the spaces of technology and sports. His past investments have aimed at leveling the gender equity playing field in athletics, making his partnership with Chelsea Women all the more apropos. As he joins the club’s board, Ohanian will have the opportunity to influence decisions that could reshape the future of the team and contribute to the broader growth of women’s football.
The impending match against Manchester United represents more than just a trophy. It encapsulates a moment of potential change for Chelsea Women under Ohanian’s new ownership structure. Winning the Women’s FA Cup would mark a significant achievement for Bompastor and her squad, further solidifying their status as one of the top teams in women’s football.
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