Alexis Ohanian, Reddit co-founder and husband of tennis icon Serena Williams, has bought an 8 per cent stake in Chelsea FC Women, for £20 million ($26.6m) and thus valuing the club at £245m.
Ohanian confirmed the development, first reported by UK’s The Times, on his X timeline, posting: “I’ve bet big on women’s sports before — and I’m doing it again.
“I’m proud to announce that I’m joining @ChelseaFCW as an investor and board member. I’m honored for the chance to help this iconic club become America’s favorite @BarclaysWSL team and much, much more.”
For the record, Ohanian was also part of the ownership group who launched the Angel City FC expansion franchise in the NWSL in 2020, which became the most valuable women’s sports team in the world when Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger bough a majority stake in them last year. That valuation ($250m) has now been eclipsed by this deal with Chelsea. Ohanian continues to serve on the Angel City FC board and will also serve on the Chelsea FCW board.
Chelsea FCW were carved out from underneath the Chelsea FC umbrella last fiscal year.
