Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian has acquired a 10% stake in Chelsea Women. This deal marks another major investment by Ohanian in women’s sport.
The American tech entrepreneur has long championed women’s teams and athletes. Now, he’s joined forces with one of Europe’s most successful women’s soccer clubs.
Ohanian’s Growing Portfolio in Women’s Sport
Ohanian is not new to women’s sport investment. He played a key role in launching Angel City FC (2.65) in the United States. That club rapidly rose in popularity and commercial success.
It was eventually sold in 2024 for a staggering reported sum of $250 million. This sale was one of the biggest deals in women’s sports history. It also showed Ohanian’s ability to build valuable brands in a short period.
Besides soccer, Ohanian founded Athlos NYC, a women-only track and field event. The first competition was held in September. Each winner at the event earned a prize of $60,000.
These projects reflect a consistent mission from Ohanian. He aims to elevate women in sport through serious financial backing. His stake in Chelsea Women continues that journey on a global stage.
Confirmation of the Chelsea Deal
Reports about the investment emerged on Wednesday. Shortly after, Ohanian confirmed the news through his social media accounts. It is believed that he paid £20 million for his share in the club.
The deal makes him a board member at Chelsea Women. It also links him directly with the ongoing expansion of the Women’s Super League. His involvement is expected to attract more American fans and sponsors.
Chelsea Women Under BlueCo Ownership
Chelsea Women officially became part of the BlueCo group in June 2023. BlueCo is the consortium fronted by Todd Boehly, which also owns Chelsea’s men’s team. The women’s side was previously under the umbrella of Chelsea FC Holdings Limited.
The takeover reportedly cost roughly £198.7 million. Since then, there has been a strategic shift in the way the club operates. One of the major changes included the appointment of Aki Mandhar as the team’s first dedicated CEO.
This role signals a more independent and focused approach for the women’s team. The club made it clear that it wants to lead the global women’s soccer market. Ohanian’s backing supports this goal and adds further credibility to their vision.
A Season of Dominance on the Pitch
While off-field developments are important, Chelsea Women continue to shine on the pitch. They recently secured their sixth straight Women’s Super League title. Even more impressively, they finished the season unbeaten.
The team set a new league points record, underlining their dominance. Earlier in the year, they also won the Women’s League Cup, and they followed it up with FA Cup glory. Their success was not limited to domestic competitions either.
Chelsea reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. There, they were eliminated by reigning champions Barcelona. Even so, the performance showed that the club is close to European glory.
Such results strengthen the team’s brand and market value. They also make Chelsea an attractive proposition for investors like Ohanian. The future looks very promising both commercially and competitively.
Star Power and Publicity at Wembley
Chelsea recently beat Manchester United 3-0 to lift the FA Women’s Cup in a match which Ohanian and Serena Williams attended. The occasion is expected to draw a large crowd and millions of viewers worldwide.
High-profile figures attending matches are part of a wider shift in public engagement. With increasing media rights, global interest, and online sports betting tied to women’s games, the stakes are rising. Ohanian’s appearance could help attract further media attention from the U.S. and beyond.
The Bigger Picture for Women’s Soccer
Chelsea Women’s progress is part of a larger global trend. Women’s soccer is growing rapidly in terms of viewership, sponsorship, and investment. Clubs are becoming more independent and commercially viable.
Investors like Ohanian bring more than money—they bring networks, strategy, and attention. With celebrities and business leaders entering the space, women’s soccer is becoming more mainstream.
As Chelsea continues their quest for silverware and market leadership, they will benefit from this shift. Ohanian’s arrival could be a turning point not only for the club but for the Women’s Super League itself. The move is a strong signal of how valuable and serious the women’s game has become.
