Sunderland Women have been taken over by a US multi-ownership group though the club will retain a majority shareholding
Sunderland have sold a majority stake in their women's team to US multi-club ownership group Bay Collective.
Backed by US investment firm Sixth Street, the Bay Collective is an ownership group dedicated to building women's football clubs. Sunderland will become the second club in their portfolio, alongside US side Bay FC. The deal is subject to approval from the relevant footballing authorities, but has been agreed by the two parties after almost a year of negotiations.
Sunderland's interim CEO Tom Burwell said it was a 'significant step' for the club, and that they had considered several options before settling on Bay Collective. The deal will see Sunderland retain a minority stake, which the club say will 'ensure continuity with its identity, values, and intellectual property'. The Women's team will be run in partnership with the broader club, and the team will continue to operate from the Academy of Light.
Burwell said: "This is a significant step for Sunderland Women and for Sunderland AFC. This agreement reflects a shared ambition to see our women’s team thrive at the highest level. Bay Collective brings world-class experience and resources, and this partnership creates an exciting platform for sustainable success, while keeping Sunderland’s identity and values at its core. We considered several options throughout a comprehensive one-year process, but Bay Collective stood out for their global expertise, their belief in our Club, and their commitment to building for the long term while respecting what makes Sunderland special.
"The agreement forms part of Sunderland AFC’s global investment plan and will also result in the development of critical infrastructure, including the Academy of Light, to further strengthen the world-class environment supporting all women’s, men’s, and Academy teams."
Kay Cossington, Chief Executive Officer of Bay Collective and Head of Global Women’s Football at Sixth Street, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Sunderland AFC and to write the next chapter for Sunderland Women, a Club with such a proud history and strong identity. We are committed to honoring Sunderland Women’s DNA and legacy, protecting what makes this Club and community so special, and supporting the players, staff, and the Academy with cutting-edge resources, infrastructure, and training models tailored to the unique needs of women athletes. This is a partnership for the long term, and our ambition is to strengthen Sunderland Women’s connection with fans and partners while creating a platform for sustained success at the highest levels of the women’s game.”
A joint statement from the two parties said: "This long-term partnership will focus on strengthening the team, including the players, staff, infrastructure, and performance environments, and the Academy, with the goal of growing sustainably to reach Sunderland Women’s highest potential. In parallel, Bay Collective will work with the Club to enhance the matchday experience for fans and strengthen its operational infrastructure to support long-term success."
Sunderland sit eighth in the WSL 2 table with two games of the campaign left to play, and additional investment is seen as key to bridging the gap to the top of the division and enhancing their long-term ambitions of becoming a Super League club.
Continue Reading