Entrepreneur and Reddit co-founder Ohanian reveals £20 million investment in Women's Super League team Chelsea.
Unleashing the Future of Women's Football: Alexis Ohanian Dives Deeper
In a jaw-dropping twist, Reddit co-founder and partner of tennis titan Serena Williams, Alexis Ohanian, is stepping into the world of women's football. The 42-year-old New Yorker, worth an estimated $150 million, has infused a whopping £20m into Chelsea Women, the Champions of the Women's Super League, snagging a 10% stake for himself.
Set to be at the FA Cup final this Sunday, with his new team facing Manchester United, Ohanian could hardly contain his excitement, declaring on social media:
"I've wagered on women's sports before, and I'm placing my bets again. With immense pride, I announce my entry as an investor and board member with Chelsea Women. I feel honored to join forces with this prestigious club in their quest to become the darling of the Women's Super League, not just in America, but globally. These players are revolutionizing the game. Watch them conquer the domestic season and aim for the treble. But it's not just about winning titles. This isn't just about us at Kingsmeadow. We're here to make certain these trailblazers receive the recognition, resources, and respect they truly deserve."
With six consecutive Women's Super League titles already under their belt, Chelsea could secure the domestic treble this weekend at Wembley Stadium, should they triumph over Manchester United. Despite their Champions League loss to Barcelona, their eyes are firmly set on claiming the one trophy yet to grace their cabinet.
The Architect Behind the Screen
Not only is Ohanian the co-founder of Reddit, alongside Aaron Swartz and Steve Huffman, he's also earned notoriety for his ventures in women's sports. He's been a strong proponent of women's football, investing heavily in various initiatives, backed often by his tennis star wife, Serena Williams.
In the past, Ohanian was the majority shareholder of Angel City FC, a National Women's Soccer League team, selling his shares in 2024 for a staggering $250 million to the CEOs of Walt Disney Company. Post that success, he's continued to power his way through the sports world, investing in Athlos, a women's track-and-field event, and through his venture capital firm, Seven Seven Six, supporting a multitude of tech and sports projects.
A Leap in Women's Football
Reacting to Ohanian's investment, Aki Mandhar, CEO of Chelsea Women, expressed that:
"This day marks a pivotal moment in the annals of Chelsea Women and women's football at large, in Europe and beyond. This investment is a testament to our past triumphs, yet it heralds a new phase of growth for women's football.
By leading the charge, on and off the pitch, we are positioning ourselves as a benchmark for athletes and fans alike, fostering inspiration for future sportswomen and the burgeoning legions of fans worldwide. As a club, our aspirations are unrepentantly vast, and this investment serves as living proof that the possibilities for expansion in the realm of women's football remain boundless."
In light of his investment in Chelsea Women, Alexis Ohanian, a prominent figure in the sports industry and co-founder of Reddit, is positioned to bring significant growth to women's football, leveraging his expertise in finance and business to revolutionize the game and secure a global following. With his venture capital firm, Seven Seven Six, he continues to support numerous projects aimed at furthering female athletes' opportunities in sports.
