West Ham in advanced talks over selling stake in women’s team to US private equity fund | OneFootball

(Credit: Alexander Canillas / SPP)

West Ham are reportedly in talks over selling a stake in their women’s team, in a proposed deal that values the side at £55m.

The Guardian reported that American private equity fund Monarch Collective is looking to buy 49 per cent of the Women’s Super League (WSL) team.

West Ham’s current ownership group of David Sullivan, Daniel Kretinsky and the David Gold family is expected to retain a controlling interest.

The Hammers have not commented on the reports. If the move does go ahead, it would make them the second WSL team to sell shares to American investors.

West Ham’s women’s team have been the responsibility of female directors Karren Brady, Tara Warren and Nicola Keye since 2023.

However, Monarch would likely make their own appointments to the leadership team.

Who are West Ham selling a stake in their women’s team to?

The Guardian reports that West Ham could end up selling a stake in their women’s team to US private equity fund Monarch Collective.

Monarch Collective are the world’s largest fund dedicated to investing in women’s sport and were founded by Kara Nortman and Jasmine Robinson.

Nortman, is a co-founder of Angel City FC, while the Monarch Collective have also invested in National Women’s Soccer League sides San Diego Wave and Boston Legacy.

Robinson has also worked with American football side the San Francisco 49ers.

Which clubs have already sold stakes in their women’s teams?

Chelsea sold 10 per cent of their women’s team to American entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian.

Ohanian is the co-founder of Reddit and is the husband of tennis star Serena Williams.

The sale completed in May was worth £20m, and values Chelsea’s women’s team at £245.

Aston Villa are also reportedly in talks with US investors over selling a 10 per cent stake in their women’s team.

This comes after Villa sold the remaining 90 per cent to Villa’s parent company, V Sports, controlled by owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris.

Earlier this summer, Everton also sold their women’s team to their parent company, Roundhouse Capital Holdings – owned by American businessman Dan Friedkin.

Why are teams selling stakes in their women’s teams?

A strong factor as to why football clubs have been selling stakes in their women’s team, is to help comply with the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules.

The sales are recorded as revenue in the club accounts for the men’s teams, positively impacting their PSR position.

It also allows the women’s teams to act as a standalone entity and attract minority investment.