Angel City announced on Wednesday that Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger and wife Willow Bay, Dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, are the new majority controlling owners of the NWSL side.
The most valuable women's soccer team in the world now, Iger and Bay's controlling stake is valued at $250M. Bay will participate in and have full control of the NWSL side's Board of Directors, serve as the controlling owner for NWSL purposes and will represent ACFC on the NWSL’s Board of Governors. The duo have also pledged to invest an additional $50M to support the club's growth over time.
The ACFC Board of Directors issued a joint statement, saying: “Willow and Bob bring unparalleled operational experience, expertise, and passion to ACFC and to the NWSL. They’re lifelong sports fans who have been supporters of ACFC since the team’s founding. They are deeply committed to the Los Angeles community, having been residents, leaders, and philanthropists in the city for almost three decades and have a long track record of dedicating their time and resources to support local Los Angeles organizations.
"We know they are the right partners to lead us into this new era – they are committed to further strengthening ACFC’s position as a preeminent organization and brand in women’s sports and to championing the team’s broader mission, including the advancement of equity for athletes and women-founded businesses. With their leadership, we will continue to harness the industry’s momentum and build on ACFC’s strong foundation of fan and community support.”
Bay expressed joy to be a part of the NWSL side.
“As fans and friends of ACFC, we are thrilled to join this team as owners at this historic moment in sports," she said in a statement. "ACFC and these incredible athletes have already had a tremendous impact on the NWSL, women’s soccer, and the Los Angeles community. With this investment of resources and capital, we hope to accelerate the growth of the Club and the NWSL.
"Working with the team and Board, and the incredible community of ACFC fans, we are committed to advancing the Club’s mission of driving equity on and off the field.”
Actress and Hollywood star Natalie Portman, who helped found the club in 2020, will remain on the Board of Directors following the transaction through Iger and Bay.