Entrepreneur and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian has been inspired by his wife, tennis legend Serena Williams, to pursue investments in women’s sports, specifically in women’s soccer. Initially, Williams expressed skepticism about Ohanian’s investment plans, stemming from her own experiences navigating the challenges of women’s sports. Despite this, Ohanian has confidently moved forward, recognizing significant potential in the sector.
Recently, Ohanian acquired a minority stake in Chelsea FC Women’s team, reportedly valued at over $26 million for a 10% share. This investment highlights a broader trend, as women’s sports are garnering increasing financial backing. Coinciding with Ohanian’s investment announcement, the New York Liberty in the WNBA achieved a remarkable valuation of $450 million, setting a record for professional women’s sports franchises.
Ohanian’s prior investments include being a founding investor in Angel City FC, which quickly became the most valuable women’s professional sports team globally following a major takeover. His approach emphasizes the necessity of viewing women’s sports as a legitimate business opportunity rather than charity. “I think a lot of well-intentioned people historically have supported women’s sports in a way that … held it back because it was viewed too much as charity,” he stated, advocating for recognition of the talent and athleticism of female athletes.
He also expressed a belief that as societal attitudes shift toward recognizing the viability of women’s sports, the potential for innovation and growth is vast. The Chelsea Women’s team, under Ohanian’s stewardship, has the potential to thrive and become a billion-dollar franchise, paving the way for the future of women’s athletics.
Ohanian’s commitment includes founding Athlos, a women-only track and field event that debuted in 2024, providing $60,000 in prizes to promote female athletes. He sees his investments not just as financial stakes in clubs but as contributions toward building a comprehensive infrastructure that supports women in sports at all levels.
Overall, this positive momentum in women’s sports not only raises the profile of female athletes but signals a growing recognition of their talents and commercial viability. With influential figures like Ohanian and Williams leading the charge, the future of women’s sports looks promising.