Alexis Ohanian reveals Serena Williams’ initial advice on his investment in women’s soccer
Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian shared details about how his wife, legendary tennis player Serena Williams, initially tried to dissuade him from investing in women’s soccer. Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam winner, based her advice on what she considered a limited infrastructure in women’s sports.
Ohanian acquired a 10% stake in Chelsea, the current Women’s Super League (WSL) champion last week. His investment of £20 million (approximately $26.89 million) values the London club at around £200 million.
Previously, Ohanian was the majority shareholder of Angel City, a NWSL team, which he helped found in 2020. This team was later sold for $250 million in 2024.
“Serena really tried to dissuade me from investing in women’s soccer, because I think she had been very exposed to the infrastructure in women’s sports,” Ohanian stated to CNN.
Alexis Ohanian
Ohanian explained that Williams’ personal experience influenced his advice, due to the challenges she faced in her sporting career.
Ohanian also highlighted Chelsea’s enormous growth potential, which recently achieved a treble of domestic titles after winning their sixth consecutive WSL title.
Ohanian added that in the past, some initiatives to support women’s sports, although well-intentioned, may have limited it by being perceived as charity. Now, with a new perspective and a more professional approach, the investor sees a promising future for the club.
Ohanian expresses his belief that Chelsea has the potential to become the first women’s sports club worth a billion dollars.
