Disney CEO Iger, Willow Bay NWSL ACFC Controlling Owners In Record $250M Deal

By Barry Janoff

July 17, 2024: Calling it a transaction that would make it “the most valuable women's sports team in the world,” current ownership of the NWSL Angel City Football Club said it has entered into a definitive agreement with Willow Bay, dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and Bob Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Co.

Following the closing of the transaction. Bay and Iger would acquire a controlling stake in Los Angeles-based ACFC at an enterprise value of $250 million, “making it the most valuable women's sports team in the world.”

Bay and Iger (who are married) will invest an additional $50 million to “support the club's future growth.”

"Willow and Bob bring unparalleled operational experience, expertise, and passion to ACFC and to the NWSL,” the ACFC Board of Directors said via the club, currently in its third season. “They're lifelong sports fans who have been supporters of ACFC since the team's founding.

“They are deeply committed to the Los Angeles community, having been residents, leaders and philanthropists in the city for almost three decades and have a long track record of dedicating their time and resources to support local Los Angeles organizations.”

ACFC was founded in 2020 by actor and activist Natalie Portman, venture capitalist Kara Nortman and entrepreneur Julie Uhrman. Alexis Ohanian, Reddit chairman and 776 founder, has been the club's founding controlling owner.

Among women’s global pro sports teams, ACFC now surpasses Chelsea Football Club Women, seven-time winner of the Women's Super League, whose owners and industry analysts have valued their club at nearly $200 million.

This past March, the San Diego Wave FC were sold in a transaction that set a NWSL mark, valued between $113-$120 million.

In January, the Portland Thorns were sold for $63 million, at the time a NWSL record.

WNBA team valuations for 2024 put the Las Vegas Aces at $140 million, Seattle Storm at $135 million and New York Liberty at $130 million, according to industry analysts.

According to the NWSL, ACFC in 2023 generated the highest revenue of any women's team in the world.

The club was No. 1 in NWSL attendance, sponsorship revenue and total revenue, and had the largest season ticket membership.

In addition, ACFC “created an innovative sponsorship model that allocates 10% of sponsorship revenue back into the Los Angeles community.”

Industry analysts said Angel City "has sold merchandise in every U.S. state and 46 countries, has more than $40 million in sponsorships and has total revenue “somewhere in the mid-eight figures.”

"As fans and friends of ACFC, we are thrilled to join this team as owners at this historic moment in sports,” Bay said via the club. “ACFC and these incredible athletes have already had a tremendous impact on the NWSL, women's soccer, and the Los Angeles community.

“With this investment of resources and capital, we hope to accelerate the growth of the club and the NWSL. Working with the team and Board, and the incredible community of ACFC fans, we are committed to advancing the Club's mission of driving equity on and off the field."

Angel City FC plays its home matches in 22,000-seat BMO Stadium, which it shares with MLS Los Angeles FC.

The ACFC ownership group also includes sports icons Serena Williams (and daughter Olympia), Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss; WNBA legend Candace Parker (and daughter Lailaa); 13 former players from the U.S. Women's National Team — including Julie Foudy, Mia Hamm, Lauren Cheney Holiday and Abby Wambach — Olympic gold medalist and alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn, USMNT and MLS legend Cobi Jones, Latin pop star Becky G; actors Uzo Aduba, Jessica Chastain, America Ferrera, Jennifer Garner, Eva Longoria and Lilly Singh; author and activist Glennon Doyle, current and former NFL players Matthew Stafford and Ryan Kalil; and entertainment executive Cindy Holland.

“The additional capital and leadership from Bay and Iger will support and elevate ACFC in its ongoing efforts to be an innovative, best-in-class organization."

According to the club, “The additional capital and leadership from Bay and Iger will support and elevate ACFC in its ongoing efforts to be an innovative, best-in-class organization that can achieve success on and off the pitch in a way that is consistent with the community- and equity-driven mission and values that have been fundamental to the Club since its inception.”

“We know they are the right partners to lead us into this new era — they are committed to further strengthening ACFC's position as a preeminent organization and brand in women's sports and to championing the team's broader mission, including the advancement of equity for athletes and women-founded businesses,” said the ACFC Board of Directors.

“With their leadership, we will continue to harness the industry's momentum and build on ACFC's strong foundation of fan and community support."

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