Alexis Ohanian, the lead investor in the NWSL club Angel City FC, once revealed the motivation behind investing in women’s soccer. The comments from his wife and tennis sensation Serena Williams in 2019 started the thought process.

While watching the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup final between USWNT and the Netherlands, Ohanian told Williams that he wants their daughter Olympia to pursue soccer. Although the Reddit co-owner was taken aback by Williams pointing at the pay issues with women’s soccer. Ohanian took it as a challenge to change it.

Serena Williams was unimpressed with how female soccer players got paid

Alexis Ohanian got a question on why he invested in a women’s soccer club earlier this year. He explained the real motivation behind the decision. “I obviously have my own sort of personal agenda for this because little Olympia was running around during the 2019 World Cup Final in her Alex Morgan jersey and I mention to my wife, like, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice one day if Olympia played in the World Cup?'” Ohanian said. “And without missing a beat, Serena says, ‘Not until they pay her what she’s worth.’ And I said, ‘challenge accepted.'”

Ohanian thinks that the perception towards women athletes started changing a few years back. Serena Williams is one reason behind it as she was responsible for the growth in viewerships for women’s tennis. He also pointed out that USWNT captain Alex Morgan garners more Instagram followers than USMNT star Christian Pulisic. 

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The only issue that was concerning both Ohanian and Williams was the disparity between the wages for men and women in soccer. Although, the lawsuit on equal pay has played its part. Still, a long way to go, but Angel City FC owners are striving for it and want to be the change in the NWSL.

What makes Angel City FC different from others?

The NWSL club that was incorporated in 2020 played its first season in the league this year. It is the first professional sports team with the largest women’s ownership group. It includes a host of women celebs like Natalie Portman, former USWNT players, athletes from other sports like Serena Williams, and others. 

Another interesting fact about the club is, it distributes the money from ticket sales amongst the players. Angel City FC in its first season has garnered 15300 season ticket holders before playing in the league. The number is bigger than the MLS side LA Galaxy.

“Hate to Say It” – ACFC Part-Owner Serena Williams Once Admitted Being ‘Jealous’ Over Her Daughter Olympia Snubbing Tennis for Soccer

The owners want to create a franchise recognized worldwide. They want to be the change in women’s soccer and have succeeded to some extent as NWSL clubs saw investments from celebs and famous athletes. 

Watch This Story: Serena Williams Amazed at Daughter Olympia Stepping on the Soccer Field

Let us know your thoughts on the comments made by Serena Williams in 2019. Also, share opinions on equal pay and the growth of women’s soccer in the US.