Alexis Ohanian Buys Stake in Chelsea Women; Investment Valued at $26.6 Million

Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit and a proud Armenian-American, has made a major move in the world of sports by acquiring a 10% stake in Chelsea F.C. Women, one of the top teams in England's Women's Super League (WSL). The investment, valued at approximately £20 million ($26.6 million USD), shows Ohanian’s commitment to advancing women’s sports while also raising the profile of Armenian entrepreneurs on the global stage.

Ohanian, who has been a vocal advocate for women’s sports, first entered the sector by co-founding Angel City FC, a women’s soccer team in the United States, alongside his wife, tennis legend Serena Williams. His successful venture into the U.S. soccer market, culminating in the sale of Angel City FC for £190 million ($252.8 million USD), positioned him as a serious player in women’s sports investments.

Now, Ohanian is directing his focus to Chelsea Women, a powerhouse team that has just clinched their sixth consecutive WSL title with an unbeaten record. The team also won the Women’s League Cup in March and reached the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League. The investment is particularly notable because it is entirely dedicated to the women’s team, following Chelsea’s decision last year to financially separate their women’s and men’s teams.

For the Armenian diaspora, Ohanian’s growing influence in global sports presents an inspiring story. As the grandson of Armenian genocide survivors, he has often spoken about the importance of representation and using his platform to elevate Armenian voices. By investing in a leading women’s football team, Ohanian is not only advancing gender equality in sports but also amplifying the Armenian narrative on a global scale.

In an official statement, Ohanian expressed his enthusiasm for the project, speaking about his desire to further develop the infrastructure, staffing, and player development at Chelsea Women. "I believe in the power of women’s sports to transform communities and inspire future generations. This investment is about much more than football — it’s about creating opportunities for young girls to see themselves represented on the field and in boardrooms."

Ohanian’s investment also includes a seat on the board, where he will help shape the strategic direction of Chelsea Women. Though Serena Williams does not hold an official position, she is expected to support the club through appearances and promotional activities, further spotlighting the team’s growing prominence.

Chelsea Women’s captain, Magdalena Eriksson, welcomed the investment, saying, "It’s incredible to see someone like Alexis Ohanian not just talk about supporting women’s sports but actually invest in it. This is a huge moment for our team and for women’s football globally."

As Chelsea Women prepare for their upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester United, Ohanian and Williams are expected to be present at Wembley Stadium, further solidifying their commitment to the club. For Ohanian, this investment is about more than financial returns — it is about creating lasting change in women’s sports and shining a global spotlight on Armenian excellence.