Chris Paul Joins Angel City FC Ownership
Chris Paul, the Los Angeles Clippers forward and a celebrated figure in basketball with 12 All-Star appearances and two Olympic gold medals, has become one of four new minority investors in Angel City FC, a team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), as announced on Monday. Paul expressed his excitement about joining the ownership group, stating it was not just a unique chance but also an opportunity to champion women’s sports and foster positive change.
New Investors and Their Vision
Joining Paul in this venture is billionaire Solina Chau, who boasts a substantial net worth of approximately $3 billion, largely due to her early investments in notable companies like Facebook, Spotify, and Zoom. Chau articulated her enthusiasm for being part of a collective that is aiming to redefine sports and community engagement, highlighting the importance of gender equality and inclusivity.
In addition to Paul and Chau, Angel City FC has welcomed entrepreneur Paul Bernon and consultant Ina Coleman as minority investors. The principal ownership of Angel City FC is held by Willow Bay, who is the dean of USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, alongside her husband Bob Iger, the CEO of Disney, which owns ESPN. They took over the club last year at a record valuation of $250 million.
Prominent Figures in the Ownership Group
Other prominent figures in the ownership group include actress Natalie Portman, who co-founded the team, as well as celebrities like Jennifer Garner, America Ferrera, and Billie Jean King. The team is also supported by retired and active athletes, including soccer legends Mia Hamm and Abby Wambach.
Paul’s Commitment to Angel City FC
Paul, 40, is an avid supporter of Angel City FC and has been seen at various matches, most recently exchanging jerseys with defender Savy King, who is recovering from heart surgery following a medical emergency during a game earlier in May.
Founding and Leadership
The club was established through the collaborative efforts of Portman, Kara Nortman, and team president Julie Uhrman, with Alexis Ohanian originally holding control before Bay and Iger assumed ownership in a historic deal. Bay retains full authority over the board, indicating a strong commitment to the team’s vision. Bay remarked on the significance of the new investors, praising their leadership and alignment with Angel City FC’s mission to build a socially conscious and inclusive sports organization, particularly at a pivotal time for women’s soccer.
