West Ham United are in advanced discussions to sell a stake in their women’s team to a US-based private equity fund that specialises exclusively in women’s sport. The proposed investment would value the Women’s Super League (WSL) side at around £55 million, underlining the rapid commercial growth of the women’s game in England and beyond.
The interested buyer, Monarch Collective, is the largest women’s-dedicated sports fund in the world and is seeking to acquire up to 49% of the club. West Ham’s current ownership group is expected to retain a controlling interest, but the deal would bring significant financial resources and strategic expertise into the women’s setup.
The WSL has seen a surge of investor interest this year, reflecting the league’s rising international profile and the commercial impact of England’s back-to-back European Championship successes. Earlier this year, Chelsea sold a 10% stake in their women’s side to US entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian in a transaction that valued the reigning champions at £245m. Aston Villa are also believed to be in talks with American investors over a minority shareholding.
West Ham present a different case for investors compared with other clubs. Since joining the WSL in 2018, the team has struggled to break into the top five and continues to face challenges with facilities. The women’s side currently play at Dagenham & Redbridge’s 6,000-capacity Chigwell Construction Stadium and have not staged a match at the men’s London Stadium for six years due to an ongoing rental dispute. Monarch Collective is expected to work towards resolving this issue, while also investing in strengthening the squad and infrastructure.
Monarch was founded by venture capitalists Jasmine Robinson and Kara Nortman and has raised over $250m to invest in women’s sport globally. Its investor base includes prominent figures such as Melinda French Gates and former Netflix executives Cindy Holland and Annie Imhoff. The group has already backed leading clubs in the US, including San Diego Wave and the new Boston Legacy FC, who will debut in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) next year.
If successful, the deal would mark another milestone for the WSL as American investment continues to flow into English football. For West Ham, it represents an opportunity to bridge the gap to the league’s elite and strengthen their long-term vision for women’s football.
