Angel City FC, Los Angeles’ new National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team, just signed an impressive primary owner. Now, NBA star Chris Paul has come on board with the group co-founded by actress Natalie Portman, entrepreneur Kara Nortman, and current team president Julie Uhrman. This acquisition further emphasizes the club’s commitment to fostering an inclusive sports environment while advocating for women’s achievements in athletics.
Willow Bay expressed that Paul’s participation really rounds out the creative vision of the team. She owns Angel City FC with her husband, Bob Iger, the CEO of Disney. Bay now has 100% control of the club’s board of directors. He’s the last remaining to have entered with Iger last year at a historic SPAC valuation of $250 million. That purchase was a historic milestone in NWSL history, becoming the largest valuation ever for a women’s soccer team.
With over 100 investors, Angel City FC’s ownership includes prominent figures such as Natalie Portman, Jennifer Garner, America Ferrera, Uzo Aduba, and Eva Longoria. Tennis legend and equality activist Billie Jean King supports the initiative as an investor. Active and retired athletes, from Mia Hamm to Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy and Matthew Stafford, contribute to a dynamic ownership group. Collectively, they are committed to changing the game and the future of women’s sports.
Chris Paul, 12-time NBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist, joined the new ownership group. He shows his active support for Angel City FC by attending matches and talking with players. One of my favorite experiences was getting to do a jersey swap with defender Savy King.
“It’s an incredible honor to join Angel City FC as an investor and owner,” – Chris Paul
Paul spoke to how Angel City FC’s mission was perfectly in line with his values. He added that the club’s commitment to furthering women and creating inclusive communities aligns perfectly with his values.
“Angel City’s commitment to advancing women, building inclusive communities, and disrupting the status quo deeply resonates with my values. Together, I believe we can set new standards for what a purpose-driven sports team can accomplish — both in LA and around the world.” – Solina Chau
Solina Chau, a billionaire investor with a net worth of approximately $3 billion, joined Angel City FC as part of this investment wave. In her closing remarks, she shared her enthusiasm in being part of a growing movement that is changing the intersection of adaptive sports and community involvement.
“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
Willow Bay, Dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication, pictured above, highlighted the leadership of the new investors. She stated that Chris Paul, Solina Chau, Ina Coleman, and Paul Bernon exemplify the values and vision that define Angel City FC.
“Their outstanding leadership across business, sport, advocacy, and social impact makes them ideal partners as we continue building a world-class club that is forward-thinking, inclusive, and ambitious.” – Willow Bay
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