By Kiara Webb, Senior Business Correspondent
Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian has invested £20 million in Chelsea Women’s Football Club, securing an estimated 8–10% ownership stake. The deal was announced in conjunction with the Women’s FA Cup Final on May 18, 2025, marking a historic moment for the club and women’s football globally.
With this investment, Chelsea Women’s Football Club is now valued at approximately £245 million, the highest valuation for any women’s football team in the world. Ohanian, known for his influential role in the rise of Angel City FC in the U.S., brings a proven track record of lifting women’s sports into the commercial mainstream.
Ohanian was present at the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, accompanied by his wife, tennis legend Serena Williams, and their daughter Olympia. Speaking after the match, he highlighted his vision to elevate Chelsea Women into a billion-dollar franchise and a globally admired brand.
“I’ve bet big on women’s sports before—and I’m doing it again,” Ohanian said. “This is not just about football; it’s about changing the narrative around what women’s teams can achieve.”
The timing of the investment is significant. Chelsea Women, led by new manager Sonia Bompastor, recently completed one of the most successful seasons in club history. The team clinched a domestic treble, including the Women’s Super League title, the Continental Cup, and a 3–0 triumph over Manchester United in the FA Cup Final. Throughout the season, the squad remained undefeated across all major competitions, solidifying their dominance in English football.
Sonia Bompastor, who took over managerial duties at the beginning of the season, described the investment as a “game-changing moment” for women’s football. “This isn’t just a financial boost—it’s a message to every young girl who dreams of playing at the top level. We’re building something historic here,” she said.
Notably, Chelsea Women was established as a separate entity from the men’s team in 2024, enabling them to attract investment independently. This structural change ensured that every pound from Ohanian’s contribution will be directed exclusively toward the women’s squad. The funds are expected to go toward upgrading training facilities, enhancing youth development, expanding global scouting, and improving the club’s marketing and international outreach.
Ohanian’s ambitions for the club extend beyond the field. His goal is to build a brand that resonates across continents, particularly in the United States, where interest in the Women’s Super League is rapidly growing. “Chelsea Women have the potential to become every American’s favorite WSL team,” he noted.
This move also reflects a larger trend in global sports investment, where women’s teams are beginning to attract the same level of attention and funding as their male counterparts. It highlights the increasing commercial appeal and untapped potential of the women’s sports market.
With a high-profile investor, a winning team, and a global vision, Chelsea Women are well-positioned to become a powerhouse in international football—both as a competitive force and a commercial juggernaut.