Bob Iger, the CEO of The Walt Disney Company, and his wife Willow Bay have recently become the majority owners of the Los Angeles-based Angel City FC soccer franchise. The deal, valued at $250 million, makes Angel City FC the most valuable women's sports team in the world. In addition to the purchase price, Iger and Bay have committed to investing an additional $50 million into the club.
The ownership group of Angel City FC already includes well-known names such as actors Natalie Portman and Jessica Chastain, as well as former US Women's National team players. Venture capitalist and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian is also a founding investor of the team, with his daughter becoming the youngest team owner in professional sports at just 2 years old.
In a statement to ESPN, Bay expressed her excitement about being a part of the team and the future trajectory of women's sports. The ownership group, led by Iger and Bay, now has the necessary board control to guide the club in a new chapter of growth and success.
Ohanian, in a tweet, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership with Iger and Bay, highlighting their ability to be true control owners of the club. He emphasized that the team is just getting started and expressed his commitment to continue serving on the board and supporting Angel City FC.
Overall, the deal between Bob Iger, Willow Bay, and Angel City FC is seen as a significant win for the club's ownership group, bringing together a mix of prominent figures to support the growth and success of women's sports.