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“These Women Have Already Transcended the Sport” – Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Once Made a Huge Claim on Soccer Being “Thought Of” as a Women’s Sport in USA

Published 01/06/2023, 6:45 AM EST

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Angel City FC came into existence when investors, celebs, and athletes came together, intending to change the perception of women’s soccer in the US. To date, it is the largest female-owned professional club in the world. One of the co-owner and husband of tennis star Serena Williams, Alexis Ohanian, was clear about why he was investing in women’s soccer when he got the chance to invest in the club.

Ohanian, back in 2021 on the ‘Futbol with Grant Wahl’ podcast, spoke about the scenario of women’s soccer in the US. He also shared the reasons behind his investment in women’s soccer. He, along with Serena Williams and daughter Olympia, is part of the consortium that owns Angel City FC. Ohanian thought that women’s soccer is growing faster when the decision to invest was made.

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Alexis Ohanian thinks women’s soccer is dominant

When Late journalist Grant Wahl asked about the investment in women’s soccer, Ohanian said“The sport of football in the United States is for the average American already kind of thought of women’s sport in part because women’s team have been so dominant for so long.”

via Getty

“And also because as much success the MLS has had when it comes to male sports they’re going up against the NFL, the MLB, and the NBA like all world-class leagues that have a stranglehold on the traditional American sports market. But I realized you know these women have already transcended sports,” Ohanian further added.

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Reddit co-owner gave an example of Megan Rapinoe and her following in the country. “You may have never watched Megan Rapinoe play, but you know her,” added Ohanian. Rapinoe had a huge following on social media and was already regarded as an icon after the 2019 Women’s World Cup, according to him. Serena Willams’ challenge over the pay the women soccer players receive came as a big boost for Ohanian.

Serena Williams, the motivation behind Ohanian’s investment?

Back in 2019, Williams and Ohanian were watching USWNT dominating FIFA Women’s World Cup. Their daughter Olympia wore an Alex Morgan jersey then. He shared a dream of seeing Olympia playing in the World Cup one day but the tennis star warned not until she gets paid what she deserves.

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Ohanian was like a challenge accepted, and that’s where the thought process started. In 2020, NWSL announced an expansion club for Los Angeles. Ohanian was soon on the board with the first investment after Natalie Portman bought the rights. 

Angel City FC boasts more season ticket holders than the MLS counterpart LAFC and shares ticket revenues with its players. Apart from that, they aim to provide better training conditions for their players with a conducive environment. 

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

Do you think women’s soccer is more dominant than men’s soccer in the US? Will USWNT win the third consecutive World Cup this year?

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Written by:

Nikhil Nibe

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Nikhil is a Soccer writer at EssentiallySports. He is a pharmaceutics graduate holding a PG degree in management with marketing as a specialization. A sales professional since 2011, he decided to change the course of his career into a sports writer to follow his passion for Soccer.
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