Alexis Ohanian Buys Stake in Chelsea Women

Alexis Ohanian, husband of Serena Williams, is set to join the board of Chelsea Women following his acquisition of an 8-10% stake in the club, valued at approximately £20 million (AUD$34 million).

Commenting on Ohanian’s acquisition, CEO of Chelsea Women, Aki Mandhar, said: “This is a landmark day in the history of Chelsea Women and for women’s football in Europe and beyond,”

“This investment is validation of the club’s past success but, more importantly, it highlights the persistent growth and potential of women’s football in the market.

“As Founding Control Owner of Angel City FC, I’ve recognised the potential to build a global brand within women’s football, and I’m confident that Chelsea FC Women is poised to become the next major women’s sports brand,” Mandhar said.

Ohanian, 42, has a history of investing in women’s football, previously serving as the largest shareholder of Angel City FC.

His tenure there culminated in a sale for £192.3 million (AUD$336 million) in 2024, marking a record price for a women’s sports team until this recent acquisition.

The announcement of Ohanian’s investment included personal touches, as he shared images of Chelsea kits sporting the names of his daughters, Olympia and Adira.

With an estimated net worth of $150 million (AID$ 262 million), Ohanian’s investment elevates the valuation of Chelsea Women to over £200 million (AUD$349 million), a figure reflected in the club’s recent financial restructuring to align with profit and sustainability regulations set by Chelsea FC Holdings.

Post-investment, the club’s valuation has reportedly risen to £245 million (AUD$ 428 million), which comes alongside the evolution of Chelsea’s boardroom, where Mandhar has recently stepped in as the first dedicated CEO for the women’s team.

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