Alexis Ohanian, the husband of tennis star Serena Williams and co-founder of Reddit, has bought an eight per cent stake in Chelsea Women.
The investment by the tech millionaire, who will join the board, puts a valuation on the team at approximately £245million, according to people familiar with the deal.
The 42-year-old Ohanian, who also has a stake in NWSL side Angel City, announced on social media on Wednesday evening: “I’ve bet big on women’s sports before — and I’m doing it again.
“I’m proud to announce that I’m joining as an investor and board member. I’m honored for the chance to help this iconic club become America’s favorite team and much, much more.”
The move comes after Chelsea’s accounts for 2023-24, released last month, showed the club’s women’s team had its ownership transferred to Blueco 22 Midco Limited — a company within the club’s broader legal structure — on June 28 last year, two days before the accounts were due to be registered. Chelsea booked a £198.7million from the sale meaning they recorded a pre-tax profit of £128.4m and stayed within profitability and sustainability rules.
Chelsea won the Women’s Super League this season at a canter, going unbeaten under head coach Sonia Bompastor, who replaced Emma Hayes when she…
