In a groundbreaking move, Alexis Ohanian, Reddit co-founder and husband of tennis superstar Serena Williams, has once again shown his unwavering support for women’s sports by investing in Chelsea FC Women. Ohanian, known for his advocacy for female athletes, has acquired a 10 percent stake in the Women’s Super League champions for approximately £20 million.
This isn’t Ohanian’s first foray into women’s sports. In 2020, he was a founding investor in Angel City FC, an NWSL expansion team in Los Angeles. The early investment paid off when the club sold for $250 million in 2024, solidifying its position as one of the most valuable teams in women’s soccer.
“The silver lining of women’s sports being so underinvested was that they were so easy to invest in. You can try anything you want. There is no way that things have been done before,” Ohanian once said.
Chelsea FC Women are currently enjoying a historic season, remaining undefeated in league play with 19 wins and three draws. They have already secured the WSL title and the League Cup, with the upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester United offering the chance to complete the treble.
“I’ve bet big on women’s sports before – as the founding control owner of @weareangelcity – and I’m doing it again. I’m proud to announce that I’m joining @chelseafcw as a minority owner and board member,” Ohanian shared.
His passion for women’s sports has clearly resonated with Serena Williams, who reposted his announcement on her Instagram story, showing her support for his latest venture.
But Ohanian’s vision goes beyond just winning titles and trophies. He is vocal about the need to level the playing field in sports, not just in terms of financial investment, but also in terms of respect and infrastructure.
“These players are rewriting the game. Undefeated season. Eyes on the treble. But this isn’t just about winning titles. It’s about finally matching their talent with the resources, visibility, and respect they deserve,” he emphasized.