In a significant development for Angel City FC, Willow Bay and her husband, Disney CEO Bob Iger, are on the brink of acquiring a majority stake in the NWSL club. The anticipated deal, which is approaching completion without a set timeline, boasts an estimated investment of approximately $300 million. This pending ownership transfer has reignited conversations on the valuations of NWSL teams and the remarkable expansion of women's soccer in the United States.

Forward Christen Press, Angel City's inaugural signing and a pivotal figure within the team, responded to the unfolding news with enthusiasm. Addressing the reported acquisition, Press underscored the progression of women's sports and the positive implications of substantial investments within the industry. She emphasized the potential for such transactions to revolutionize the landscape and promote higher standards within women's sports.

Acknowledging Angel City's successful trajectory and the areas needing improvement, Press highlighted the club's transformative journey in just three years. As discussions around the record valuation of $300 million for Angel City pick up steam, it underscores the team's ambition to evolve and set new benchmarks for women's sports in America.

The potential acquisition of Angel City aligns with the broader trend of NWSL teams exploring ownership changes. From San Diego Wave FC's recent sale to Chelsea entertaining the idea of divesting a minority stake in their women's team, these financial movements underscore the escalating valuations within women's soccer leagues globally.

The anticipated purchase of Angel City by Bay and Iger is poised to propel the club to new heights, embarking on a fresh phase of development and expansion. Amidst the transitioning ownership structure, Angel City continues to focus on on-field performance, aiming to secure crucial victories in their upcoming matches.

As the NWSL witnesses a transformative shift with these investments and acquisitions, the industry's stakeholders, players, and fans anticipate a groundbreaking era of growth and progress in women's soccer.

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*By: Meg Linehan, Senior Writer for The Athletic*