lexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and a prominent advocate for women’s sports, has acquired a 10% stake in Chelsea Women, valuing the club at an unprecedented £200 million. The deal marks one of the most significant investments in Women’s Super League (WSL) history and reinforces the growing commercial strength of the women’s game. Revealed by the Times

Ohanian, who previously co-founded and invested in Angel City FC, sold that venture in 2024 for a record-breaking £190 million, and is now joining the Chelsea Women board to help drive the club’s growth both commercially and globally.

 
Chelsea Women: A Separate, Soaring Entity

The investment was made into Chelsea Women as a separate entity from the men’s club, under the ownership group BlueCo. The women’s team operates independently and is led by CEO Aki Mandhar, who welcomed the move as a "transformative moment" for the club.

“This is a statement of intent,” Mandhar said. “To have someone like Alexis join our vision is proof of how far the women’s game has come and how far it can still go.”

 
Serena Williams Expected to Support the Project

Ohanian’s wife, tennis legend Serena Williams, is also expected to take an active role in the project. The couple plans to attend the upcoming FA Cup final at Wembley, where Chelsea Women will face Manchester United as they chase a domestic treble following an undefeated WSL season.

 
“Betting Big Again” on Women’s Sports
Ohanian expressed excitement about the deal in a statement posted online:

“I’ve bet big on women’s sports before, and I’m doing it again. I’m honored to help this iconic club grow into America’s favorite WSL team—and much, much more.”
His track record and public commitment to women in sports are seen as major assets to Chelsea Women’s ambition to dominate both on the pitch and off it, particularly in the U.S. market.

 
Women’s Football Reaches New Heights

The move underscores a broader trend of high-value football investment in women’s teams, signaling that WSL clubs are becoming financially viable global brands. With high-profile investors like Ohanian and visibility from figures like Serena Williams, Chelsea Women are well-positioned to set a new standard for success in women’s football.

 
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