Disney CEO Bob Iger, together with his wife Willow Bay, the Dean of the USC Annenberg School, are set to acquire control of Angel City FC, the Los Angeles women's soccer franchise. The impending deal, involving the Bay-Iger duo, is reportedly at a pre-money valuation of a staggering $250 million, making Angel City FC the most valuable women's sports franchise globally.

According to insider sources, the investment from the Bay-Iger alliance signifies a substantial increase in the team's worth, now exceeding an impressive $300 million. This acquisition will see the prominent couple stepping in to replace Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian as the team's primary shareholder, showcasing their vested interest in the development and longevity of the franchise.

While competing bids from notable investors like Marc Lasry and Manchester United owner Avie Glazer were on the table, Bay and Iger's commitment to fostering the team's brand over the long term set them apart. Emphasizing the importance of female ownership, the couple expressed their vision for Angel City FC, underlining Willow Bay's pivotal role in the transaction.

Angel City FC's current shareholders comprise of esteemed figures such as actors Natalie Portman and Eva Longoria, along with soccer icons Abby Wambach and Mia Hamm. The significant investment from the Bay-Iger partnership signals a major shift in the landscape of women's sports, with the team already attracting attention for its impressive valuation.

The surge of investment in sports, particularly from professional circles, has been noticeable in recent times, signifying a growing trend of financial influx. While external finance is welcomed within these realms, National Women's Soccer League Commissioner Jessica Berman highlighted the importance of individual ownership in decision-making processes, ensuring swift and efficient operations within a rapidly evolving league.

As Angel City FC embarks on this new chapter under the stewardship of Disney's Bob Iger and Willow Bay, fans and enthusiasts are eager to witness the impact of this monumental acquisition on the franchise's future trajectory. Amidst speculation and anticipation, the team's newfound valuation showcases the rising prominence of women's soccer at a time of pivotal growth within the sporting industry.