Chelsea Women have secured a major investment from American tech entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian, who has acquired a 10% stake in the club—reportedly worth £20 million. The deal makes Chelsea Women the most valuable club in women’s football, with a valuation of £200 million.
Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and husband of tennis legend Serena Williams, will join the club’s board. Williams is also expected to play an active role. Announcing the deal on social platform X, Ohanian said:
I’ve bet big on women’s sports before—and I’m doing it again. I’m honoured for the chance to help this iconic club become every American’s favourite [Barclays WSL] team and much, much more. Up the Chels!
The couple is expected to attend the Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley on May 17, where Chelsea will face Manchester United as they chase a domestic treble, having already won the League Cup and a record sixth consecutive WSL title.
This move adds to Ohanian’s growing presence in women’s sports. He was a key investor in Angel City FC—formerly the most expensive women’s football club at £190 million—and also founded Athlos NYC, a women-only athletics event focused on promoting gender parity in sports.
Chelsea Women were recently transferred to a sister company in a £200 million deal aimed at ensuring compliance with football’s Profit and Sustainability Rules. While the Premier League has yet to assess the valuation’s fairness, Ohanian’s high-profile backing is expected to bolster the club’s standing.
As part of broader strategic changes, Chelsea also appointed Aki Mandhar as their first-ever CEO. Despite a recent 9% dip in WSL matchday attendance, the club remains optimistic about the sport’s growth, especially with the upcoming European Championships poised to drive fresh interest in women’s football.
