The dean of the USC Annenberg School, Willow Bay, and her husband, Disney CEO Bob Iger, are nearing a deal to purchase control of Angel City FC, a source familiar with the situation told ESPN.
The couple’s intent to purchase control of the NWSL club from Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, the team’s largest shareholder, was first reported by Semafor.
According to Semafor, the club’s current valuation is $250 million, and the Iger and Bay proposal would bring the new valuation to $300 million.
Ohanian, who is the husband of Serena Williams, does not have control of the NWSL club’s board.
Angel City is seeking a woman owner, the source told ESPN, stressing Bay’s role in the deal. Puck’s Dylan Byers first reported Bay’s involvement.
In March, Sportico listed the club’s valuation at $180 million. The San Diego Wave sold for a valuation of $120 million in March, setting the NWSL record.
The team has three co-founding partners — Kara Nortman, Natalie Portman and Julie Uhrman.
Other investors include Eva Longoria and former United States women’s national team stars Abby Wambach and Mia Hamm.
Playing at BMO Stadium near downtown Los Angeles, the club boasts more than 16,000 season-ticket holders.
Earlier this year…
