In a significant move that has made waves in the world of women’s football, Alexis Ohanian, the founder of Reddit, has acquired a stake in Chelsea Women’s Football Club. This investment marks a pivotal moment not only for Ohanian but also for the club, which has rapidly become a powerhouse in the Women’s Super League (WSL). With this purchase, Ohanian now holds a 10% share in Chelsea Women, reportedly valued at around £20 million. As a member of the club’s board, Ohanian intends to play a crucial role in further elevating the visibility and success of women’s football.
Ohanian is perhaps best known for his association with tennis star Serena Williams, whom he married in 2017. The couple shares two daughters, Olympia and Adira. In a celebratory post shared on the social media platform X, Ohanian expressed his excitement about this new venture, stating, “I’ve bet big on women’s sports before, and I’m doing it again.” He emphasized his pride in joining Chelsea and his aspiration for the team to become “every American’s favorite WSL team and much, much more.” This dedication underlines Ohanian’s commitment to championing women’s sports on a global stage.
The 42-year-old entrepreneur has a rich history of investing in women’s sports, having previously served as the majority stakeholder of Angel City FC, an American club that was sold in 2024 for a record £192.3 million—a testament to the evolving landscape of women’s sports and their growing economic value. His latest investment in Chelsea Women reflects a growing recognition of women’s football not just as a sport but as a viable and lucrative sector worth investing in.
Ohanian’s investment values Chelsea Women at approximately £200 million, a figure that corresponds to the valuation set when Chelsea FC Holdings transitioned the women’s team to a sister entity earlier in the year to comply with profit and sustainability regulations. This move to solidify the women’s team’s financial position comes in conjunction with organizational changes within Chelsea, such as the appointment of Aki Mandhar as the club’s first dedicated chief executive officer for the women’s division, further indicating a serious commitment to the growth of women’s football at the club.
Notably, Chelsea Women recently achieved significant success, securing their sixth consecutive WSL title and completing a remarkable undefeated 22-game campaign that culminated in a new league record of 60 points. Additionally, the team captured the Women’s League Cup and is poised to compete for a domestic treble, with a much-anticipated match against Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley on the horizon. Ohanian and Williams are also expected to attend this final, demonstrating their support for the team.
Moreover, Chelsea’s journey in European competitions has shown promise, as they reached the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League, although they faced a setback against Barcelona, the reigning champions, losing 8-2 on aggregate. Despite this, the optimism surrounding Chelsea Women’s potential and future endeavors remains high, especially with Ohanian’s strategic involvement and experience.
This investment is more than just a financial commitment; it symbolizes a shift in the broader cultural landscape and acceptance of women’s sports as a serious business. Ohanian’s involvement with Chelsea Women could inspire more investors to enter the women’s sports domain, potentially accelerating growth, visibility, and financial stability within the sector. The collaboration aims to leverage Chelsea’s iconic brand and rich history to amplify the profile of women’s football globally, underpinned by Ohanian’s strong belief in the future of women’s sports.
In summary, Alexis Ohanian’s acquisition of a 10% stake in Chelsea Women is not only a notable addition to his portfolio but also a promising development for women’s football. With increasing investments, elevated visibility, and structural changes within clubs like Chelsea, the landscape of women’s sports appears set for significant growth in the coming years.