“A lot of people are shocked by the sudden surge in valuation around women’s sports,” began Alexis Ohanian. “Do you know who is definitely not shocked? Me.” These words from the Reddit founder clearly reflect the immense faith (and money) he has invested in pursuing one passionate goal: promoting women’s sports. Evidently, beyond other areas like basketball and track & field, soccer is no exception. Having founded and invested in the NWSL team Angel City, Ohanian now seems eager to expand his footprint in the beautiful game, recently joining the ownership group of Chelsea Women in the WSL.

As the word around the town spread, the husband of Serena Williams even proudly posted the news on X, resharing an article from The Times that he has indeed bought a 10% stake in Chelsea Ladies, which is valued at around £20 million or close to $26.5 million. Along with it, Ohanian had a special message that read, “I’ve bet big on women’s sports before—and I’m doing it again.”

Further expressing his delight over the news, Alexis Ohanian expressed his desire to go global with the Blues, especially vowing to make them a fan-favorite in the States. “I’m proud to announce that I’m joining @ChelseaFCW as an investor and board member. I’m honored for the chance to help this iconic club become America’s favorite. @BarclaysWSL team and much, much more.”

Ohanian had also shared pictures of his children, Olympia and Adira, donning a Chelsea shirt with their names on the back. Notably, with this latest investment, BBC reports that Alexis Ohanian has boosted Chelsea women’s valuation to a whopping £200 million or $265 million. This further elevates the global market standings of the London-based club.

His initial investment in women’s soccer was in the National Women’s Soccer League side Angel City. In fact, Alexis played a key role in the early establishment of the Natalie Portman, Julie Uhrman, and Kara Nortman-founded club. He was one of the largest shareholders until they were sold to Disney CEO Bob Iger and his wife Willow Bay. That only boosted ACFC’s valuation to a whopping $250 million.

Regardless, even though a minority investor, Ohanian’s involvement in Chelsea women is only good for the WSL side. The former Emma Hayes-led group would be hoping to make the most of his expertise in women’s sports. So far, the Blues are on the right track, having recently defended their eighth WSL title and sixth consecutively.

Currently led by Sonia Bompastor, the Blues boast five Women’s FA Cup titles, three Women’s League Cup titles, and the 2020 Women’s FA Community Shield. However, they are yet to open their account in European competition, having come closest to the UWCL trophy in 2021 before eventually losing to Spanish giants FC Barcelona.

Perhaps with the addition of Ohanian as an investor, Chelsea and its fans will be hoping for the best possible outcome. The sentiment likely holds true for the American entrepreneur as well. But with this surprise asset splurge, could it be a clear sign that he’s closing in on achieving his ultimate dream?

Alexis Ohanian is on a path to redefine women’s soccer

By now, it’s obvious how much of a geek Alexis Ohanian is when it comes to promoting the women’s game. And mind you, all the things are going according to his plan so far. Yet, there is one such milestone that he believes, even if is far, is closer than ever to being achieved: the billion-dollar mark! Do you think that this sector will ever reach this mark? Well, Ohanian seems to have bet all his money to say, “For sure”. 

Further elaborating on the occasion of his appearance on the Sportico conference’s Business of Women’s Sport, he optimistically added, “There will be a $B women’s sports franchise by 2030. Mark my words!” Before you question his prophecy, we shall remind you that similar eyebrows were raised by his own friends when the Reddit co-founder splurged millions to pay Angel City’s franchise fee.

However, you already know how things turned out for the American entrepreneur—and for the NWSL team, for that matter. In fact, beyond the beautiful game, Ohanian’s passion for women’s sports is also evident in his commitment to financially and socially empower the track and field initiative, Athlos, as well as in his support for the University of Virginia’s women’s basketball team, to which he made an undisclosed yet significant donation.

So Chelsea fans, we believe you all should brace yourselves for a new chapter. Let the Alexis Ohanian airlines take off!