Chelsea FC Women, the reigning champions of the Women’s Super League (WSL), have announced a significant minority investment from tech entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and founder of venture capital firm Seven Seven Six.
The strategic partnership marks a pivotal moment for the club and underscores the accelerating growth and burgeoning commercial potential of women’s football on a global scale.
Ohanian, a prominent investor known for his strong focus on women’s sports, has acquired a minority stake in the six-time WSL champions. While the exact percentage of the stake was not formally disclosed by the club, reports suggest the investment is valued at approximately £20 million for an estimated 8-10% share. This valuation places Chelsea Women’s overall value at over £200 million, highlighting the significant market confidence in the team.
As part of the agreement, Ohanian will join the club’s board. He brings extensive experience in technology, brand building, and sports investment, which is expected to bolster Chelsea Women’s strategic direction.
This investment is seen as a direct result of Chelsea Women’s remarkable success on the pitch and the club’s proactive strategy to attract dedicated investment for its women’s program. Last year, Chelsea restructured its operations to create opportunities for targeted investment in the women’s team, a move that has now been validated by Ohanian’s substantial commitment.
Speaking on the occasion, Aki Mandhar, CEO of Chelsea Women, said, “This is a landmark day in the history of Chelsea Women and for women’s football in Europe and beyond. This investment is validation of the club’s past success, but more importantly, it is yet another proof point in the market of the persistent growth and potential of women’s football.
“We continue to lead the way, on and off the pitch, for players and for our fans and brands, empowering and inspiring future athletes and the next generation of sports fans. As a club, we are unapologetically ambitious, and this investment is proof that the opportunities for growth in the business of women’s football are endless.
“There is no greater champion of investing in the future of girls and women’s sports than Alexis, and we are incredibly proud to welcome him to the club.”
Alexis Ohanian, Founder of Seven Seven Six, added, “As Founding Control Owner of Angel City FC, I’ve seen the opportunity to create and grow a worldwide brand within women’s football, and I’m confident Chelsea FC Women is the next global women’s sports brand. I’m so thrilled to build with Aki and the team as we grow the club’s footprint and impact.”
Ohanian has a proven track record in the women’s sports landscape, most notably as a founding investor of NWSL side Angel City FC in Los Angeles. The club quickly achieved a record valuation under his involvement, demonstrating his ability to drive commercial success in the sport.
The investment is expected to provide Chelsea Women with significant additional resources. These funds are anticipated to be used to further strengthen infrastructure, enhance player development programs, and expand the club’s global brand presence.
This partnership also highlights the increasing attractiveness of elite European women’s football to international investors, particularly from the United States, recognising the substantial untapped potential within the sport. As Chelsea Women continue to pursue domestic dominance and European success, the partnership with Ohanian is poised to accelerate the club’s strategic objectives and contribute significantly to the overall advancement of the women’s game.
