Here’s hoping Bristol City Women flourish in this new era! That’s right, the Mercury13 group has formally taken a controlling interest in the club. This transaction is a transformative gift and opportunity for Mercury13. Together they have become the first multi-club ownership group in English football, entrenching themselves deeper in the sport.
With new owners Mercury13 group —who own the Washington Spirit, Olympique Lyonnais and the London City Lionesses—the new ownership is looking to bring a new approach. This move follows more than a decade during which the club has been owned by the Lansdown family. The Lansdown family will continue to hold a minority stake in Bristol City Women as they pass ownership to Mercury13.
Mario Malave, co-founder and Co-CEO of Mercury13 was excited to get this new effort underway. He stated,
“Bristol City Women represents everything we look for in a club: a rich history; a track record of performance; world-class infrastructure; and incredibly loyal supporters.”
This sentiment reflects the group’s commitment to ensuring that the club retains its core values while pursuing new opportunities for growth and success.
Bristol City Women now play in the second tier of English women’s football. The Mercury13 community is stepping into this next chapter with a deepened commitment to respect, humility and responsibility. Malave noted,
“Our entry into the English football pyramid is a major milestone for Mercury13, and one we approach with deep respect and responsibility.”
Bristol City Women is working on a pivotal early-in-the-year acquisition at an especially opportune time. They’re determined to take that rich history and legacy for granted, but progress and change as an innovative, inclusive community club. Gavin Marshall, chair of Bristol City Women and CEO of Bristol Sport, remarked on the significance of this transition:
“This is a pivotal moment for Bristol City Women and we are excited about the next chapter in the club’s story.”
Mercury13’s entrance into the English football scene serves as just the latest example of this increasing trend of multi-club ownership in European football. Similar ownership structures exist across other leagues. This decision is hugely significant for English football and one that might encourage other clubs to pursue similar arrangements.
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