“We haven’t even won trophies yet… Imagine what’s going to happen when we win trophies,” remarked Angel City Director Mark Parsons, who has every right to make this claim. Why, you ask? Firstly, a stark reminder to all is that it has been three years since the club made its official debut in the NWSL. And even though there is not a single silverware piece in their trophy cabinet to defend such optimism and aspiration, how far the club has come is truly one tale for minstrels to write about.

Let’s talk numbers first. Having joined the league by paying the franchise fee of just $2 million, it took them less than a couple of years to become the NWSL’s most valuable team. Any guesses on the figure? Keep the drums rolling—a whopping $250 million was reported by Sportico in 2024, with an impressive 39% year growth.

Yes, part of the thanks goes to Alexis Ohanian selling his majority stake to Disney CEO Bob Iger and his wife Willow Bay. But that still counts, and boy, one has to give it up for the California-based club. That explains why Mark Parsons is bold enough to admit that “no doubt we have the ability to be winning trophies within the next three years,” during his exclusive chat with ESPN.

Even though there’s a fine line between success and failure in the ever-growing-competitive nature of NWSL, the ACFC sporting director knows for a fact that “when things happen [here], it ripples” on his team. Yes, couldn’t agree after witnessing how business has been blooming for them, but… what about the soccer side? Evidently, Angel City has struggled to find its way to success when it comes to its on-field endeavors.

They have only reached the playoffs just once in three seasons, and that too, where they have never won a game. Last season, they secured a 12th-place finish—their lowest ever. But one has to cut them some slack, considering their points were deducted (also making them the first team in the NWSL to get this punishment) after being penalized for breaking salary cap rules.

Not to mention, both the club’s general manager and head coach left the team just four days apart during the offseason. Overall judgment would be that there remains a stark contrast between them being one of the most sought-after brands off the field and admitting that Angel City has struggled to retain consistency and maintain a clear identity in its performance. Fortunately, it is something that Mr. Sporting Director realizes, but with his own optimistic twist.

“I think we have a responsibility to win because people copy sports teams that win,” said Parsons, citing NBA star Stephen Curry as an example—when he shoots baskets from anywhere on the court, everyone follows his lead. Drawing a parallel with his NWSL side, he added, “If Angel City wins, what’s everyone going to start doing? They’re going to empower female athletes. They’re going to be rooted in the community and make a difference in their cities.”

Clearly, Parsons is confident that Angel City will turn things around, even if that route takes them a few more years down the road. In fact, they have started working towards it as well!

Angel City continues to build itself as a title contender

Recent developments clearly show that Angel City is serious about chasing success. In a bold move to establish dominance in the NWSL, the California-based club is strengthening its squad with key signings. They recently concluded their search for a new head coach by bringing in Alexander Straus from FC Bayern Munich Women, who is set to take charge starting June 1. But the recruitment doesn’t stop there.

Their latest addition is Sveindís Jónsdóttir, the talented forward from VfL Wolfsburg and the Icelandic Women’s National Team. It’s a necessary move, especially given the already impressive mix of youth and experience in their roster, featuring names like Alyssa Thompson, Riley Tiernan, Claire Emslie, and Christen Press. That said, their current position—seventh in the standings with 14 points—is still a cause for concern.

However, such developments only bring hope that things will turn around soon. Rest, even if the NWSL team has realized its turning point, how they make the most of hitting the reset button on its soccer and business fronts is something that remains to be seen.