West Ham United are in advanced talks to sell a stake in their women’s team to Monarch Collective, the U.S.-based private equity fund dedicated to women’s sport. The proposed deal would see Monarch acquire up to 49% of the Women’s Super League club, valuing the side at about £55 million, according to The Guardian.
Monarch Collective, co-founded by Kara Nortman — who previously helped establish Angel City FC before investing in NWSL teams in San Diego and Boston — has raised more than $250 million to invest exclusively in women’s sports. The fund’s backers include Melinda French Gates and several former Netflix executives.
If completed, the investment would make West Ham the second WSL club this year to sell shares to U.S. investors, following Chelsea’s sale of a 10% stake to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian for £20 million in May. Aston Villa are also believed to be in discussions with American investors.
West Ham’s women’s team, which has played in the WSL since 2018 but has yet to crack the top five, has faced hurdles including stadium disputes. Monarch’s entry would not only inject capital but also bring strategic expertise aimed at resolving these challenges and strengthening the squad.
Source: The Guardian
