Women’s Sports: Angel City FC Founder Sees Unprecedented Opportunity
by / ⠀Featured• News / July 27, 2023
Women’s sports are gaining unprecedented momentum. Angel City FC is leading the charge. Founded by veteran investor Kara Nortman, this Los Angeles-based women’s soccer team is making waves in the industry. With a vision to create a virtuous cycle of support, investment, and growth, Angel City FC is poised to revolutionize women’s sports and create a lasting impact.
The Rise of Women’s Sports
In recent years, women’s sports have seen a tremendous surge in popularity and recognition. The NCAA women’s basketball championship shattered viewership records, attracting a staggering 9.9 million viewers. The WNBA’s audience has grown by nearly 70% from the previous year. FIFA, the international governing body for soccer, sold the broadcast rights to the Women’s World Cup separately from the men’s for the first time, highlighting the increasing demand for women’s sports.
Kara Nortman: A Champion for Women’s Sports
At the forefront of this revolution is Kara Nortman, a veteran investor and the co-founder of Angel City FC. Nortman’s journey from the world of tech investing to women’s sports began at the Women’s World Cup Finals in 2015. Inspired by the passion and talent on display, Nortman felt a deep connection to the game and a desire to contribute to its growth.
A Vision for Growth
Nortman’s vision for Angel City FC goes beyond creating a successful soccer team. She aims to establish spaces where fans can show their support and actively engage with women’s sports. In March, Nortman launched the Monarch Collective, a $100 million fund dedicated to investing in women’s sports. This fund will not only provide financial support but also help create a sustainable ecosystem around women’s sports, including content creation, merchandise, and more.
The Virtuous Cycle
Nortman’s business pitch for women’s sports centers around the concept of a “virtuous cycle.” As more people show up and care about women’s sports, they become active consumers of content and merchandise, driving further growth and revenue. Nortman believes that the potential for value creation in women’s sports is immense, with the current global revenue totaling less than a billion dollars, compared to half a trillion on the men’s side.
Angel City FC: Making an Impact
Angel City FC is not just a soccer team; it’s a movement. The team’s dedication to creating a positive impact extends beyond the field. Angel City FC has made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion within the organization and the broader community. By embracing a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, Angel City FC aims to break down barriers and empower individuals to reach their full potential.
A Historic Moment: Equal Pay and World Cup Dreams
The fight for equal pay has been a pivotal moment in women’s sports, and the USWNT (U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team) has been at the forefront of this battle. With their historic contract securing equal pay, the USWNT has not only made strides in addressing gender disparities but has also changed the tournament experience. The upcoming Women’s World Cup holds even greater significance as the USWNT aims for a three-peat, a feat never achieved by any team, men’s or women’s.
The Road Ahead
As Angel City FC continues to pave the way for women’s sports, the future looks promising. The team’s commitment to investing in women’s sports and creating a sustainable ecosystem sets a precedent for other organizations to follow. With the support of passionate fans, forward-thinking investors, and dedicated athletes, women’s sports are poised to reach new heights of success.