Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and husband of tennis star Serena Williams, has made a significant investment in Chelsea Women’s football team, purchasing a £20 million stake believed to represent 10% ownership of the club’s women’s division. This move highlights Ohanian’s ongoing commitment to supporting women’s sports and underscores his belief in the growing value and potential of women’s football.
Ohanian confirmed the investment publicly, expressing his enthusiasm for backing a team that has demonstrated remarkable success and talent. Chelsea Women, the reigning champions of the Women’s Super League (WSL), recently completed an undefeated league season, a testament to their dominance in English women’s football. As they prepare to compete for a domestic treble with the upcoming Women’s FA Cup final against Manchester United at Wembley, the team’s ambitions remain sky-high.
In his announcement, Ohanian emphasized that his involvement is about much more than just winning trophies. He aims to help align the club’s resources, visibility, and respect with the exceptional talent of the players. He praised the team’s efforts to “rewrite the game,” signaling a shift in the landscape of women’s football, where the level of skill and professionalism is rapidly increasing, and investment is finally beginning to match.
Ohanian also highlighted the leadership at Chelsea Women, particularly CEO Aki Mandhar, whose integrity and commitment to excellence played a significant role in his decision to invest. His enthusiasm suggests a belief that with the right backing and strategic guidance, Chelsea Women can become a global powerhouse and a beloved team not only in England but across international markets, including the U.S.
The reported £20 million investment values the women’s team at approximately £200 million. This figure aligns with a valuation from last year when the women’s club was transferred internally within Chelsea’s ownership structure, likely to comply with financial regulations affecting the men’s side of the club. This valuation reflects the increasing commercial worth of women’s football clubs as they attract more fans, sponsorships, and media attention.
Ohanian’s involvement is not his first venture into women’s sports. He previously invested in Angel City FC, an independent women’s football club based in Los Angeles. Angel City made headlines when it was sold last year for a record-breaking $250 million to Bob Iger, the CEO of Disney. This sale marked one of the highest valuations in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and highlighted the growing investment interest in women’s football in the United States.
His repeated investments underscore a broader trend where influential entrepreneurs and investors are recognizing the long-term potential and cultural significance of women’s sports. By joining Chelsea Women’s board, Ohanian not only provides financial resources but also brings a high-profile voice to advocate for the women’s game, helping to elevate its profile globally.
Chelsea Women’s recent success, combined with new investments, positions the club to capitalize on the growing momentum in women’s football worldwide. The team’s ambition to secure a domestic treble reflects their dominance on the pitch, while Ohanian’s backing is expected to enhance their off-field growth through increased marketing, community engagement, and commercial partnerships.
The timing of this investment coincides with a surge in interest in women’s football, driven by record attendance at matches, expanded broadcasting deals, and greater visibility for female athletes. Ohanian’s strategic move reinforces the idea that women’s football is not just a niche sport but a rapidly expanding market with significant opportunities for investors and fans alike.
Overall, Alexis Ohanian’s £20 million stake in Chelsea Women signals a strong vote of confidence in the club’s future and the women’s football landscape more broadly. It represents a growing shift where female athletes and teams are gaining the recognition, resources, and respect they have long deserved, paving the way for continued growth and success in the sport.
