Chelsea Women land £20m investment from Reddit co-founder

Chelsea Women have received a £20m investment from Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, acquiring a 10% stake in the Women’s Super League champions.

This move values the club’s women’s arm at £200m, which would make it the most valuable women’s team in the world.

Ohanian has confirmed the news on social media and has joined the club as an investor and board member, stating his intention to help the club match the players’ talent with deserved resources and respect.

His wife, tennis legend Serena Williams, is also expected to be engaged in the club.

All of Ohanian’s investment will go directly to the women’s team.

The investment follows a season where Sonia Bompastor’s side did not lose a single league fixture and are set to compete in the Women’s FA Cup final against Manchester United.

Ohanian has previously invested in women’s football, notably in the Los Angeles-based independent club, Angel City, which was sold last year for an NWSL-record-breaking $250m.

Chelsea announced a year ago it had made Chelsea Women a separate entity from the men’s club, ultimately selling it to a sister company, Midco Ltd. (also referred to as Blueco 22 Midco Ltd.), for $265.2M.

The £200m valuation of Chelsea Women matches this figure. The $265.2M valuation still needs to be approved by the Premier League as being of fair market value.

Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, said, “I’ve bet big on women’s sports before – and I’m doing it again. I’m proud to announce that I’m joining Chelsea Women FC as an investor and board member.

“I’m honoured for the chance to help this iconic club become every American’s favourite WSL team and much, much more.”

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