Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian & husband of Serena Williams buys £20m stake in Chelsea women's team

Ohanian will become a minority shareholder at Chelsea.

Chelsea have confirmed that Alexis Ohanian, the husband of Serena Williams and the creator of Reddit, has become a minority stakeholder in the women’s team after purchasing a £20 million stake.

Over the past few years, American football investment in Europe has grown significantly, with Hollywood celebrities and American athletes acquiring minority holdings and, in the instance of Wrexham, a majority takeover.

The Blues have American owners as well; California-based Clarlake Capital owns Todd Boehly’s BlueCo, and they recently added another American shareholder.

Chelsea have revealed that Reddit founder Ohanian has used his business Seven Seven Six to finalise a partial ownership of the Blues women’s squad. The company bought 8–10% of the club’s shares, which are estimated to be valued at roughly £20 million ($26.5 million).

With his partial takeover, Ohanian, who is married to tennis legend Serena Williams, is expected to usher in a “new era” in women’s football, according to the West London club.

Chelsea issued the following statement on Thursday morning:

 “With two titles sealed already this season, including a record-extending sixth consecutive Women’s Super League, Ohanian’s investment is a game-changing endorsement of Chelsea Women, and for women’s football in Europe and across the world. It signals a new era for the women’s game and is confirmation of CFCW’s potential for growth, both on and off the pitch.”

“Ohanian brings with him a wealth of experience, energy and passion for women’s sports that will help take Chelsea Women to the next level and shine a light on the potential of the sport here in the UK. The club ownership group continues to be the controlling shareholder of Chelsea Women, with Alexis Ohanian joining as a minority shareholder.”

Before its sale in 2024 for £192.3 million ($255.9 million), the Reddit creator was the primary owner of Angel City FC, a team in the National Women’s Soccer League. This is not Ohanian’s first foray into women’s football.

According to reports, Ohanian will fly to England to watch The Blues play Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup final on Sunday, May 18. Williams is anticipated to attend Wembley Stadium with Ohanian as well.

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