Sue Bird and Eli Manning are the latest big names to join the ownership group of NJ/NY Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League, multiple outlets reported Thursday.
The club has been valued a $40 million — a record for the league, per the reports.
Bird, a New York native, is retiring from the WNBA at the end of the season after 19 campaigns with the Seattle Storm. Manning retired after 16 seasons as quarterback of the New York Giants following the 2019 season.
They join an ownership group that includes Thirty Five Ventures, the investment firm of NBA star Kevin Durant; New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and wife, Tammy; and former U.S. women’s national soccer team star Carli Lloyd.
The amount of the financial investment made by Bird and Manning was not disclosed. Forbes reported that Bird’s investment includes a requirement that Bird serve as an adviser to the club.
Bird’s fiancee, Megan Rapinoe, is a fellow Olympic gold medalist who plays for the OL Reign of the NWSL.
Manning hosts the popular “ManningCast” on ESPN with his brother, Peyton Manning, and also is a partner on the private equity firm Brand Velocity Group. He rejoined the Giants last June in a fan engagement and business operations role.
NWSL teams have become popular investments among celebrities. Actors Natalie Portman, Jennifer Garner and Eva Longoria are part of the ownership group of Angel City FC, which also includes Serena Williams.
Another tennis star, Naomi Osaka, is among the investors in the North Carolina Courage, and former first daughters Jenna Bush Hager and Chelsea Clinton own stakes in the Washington Spirit.
–Field Level Media