Women’s football, often considered a niche interest in the United States, is slowly but surely gaining traction. With investments pouring in from numerous groups, the sport is expected to experience a significant surge in popularity. In the midst of this transition, a new investment group, Mercury/13, has made headlines with its ambitious plans to revolutionize the sport.
In a recent development, Mercury/13 acquired FC Como Women, a mid-table team in Serie A Femminile, for a whopping £80 million. This move not only signals the group’s commitment to women’s football but also marks a new era for the sport in Italy. Founded by Victoire Cogevina Reynal, an American-born London-based entrepreneur and United Nations ambassador for Gender Equality in Football, Mercury/13 aims to challenge traditional football club ownership and unlock the commercial potential of women’s teams.
Revolutionizing Women’s Football: The Mercury/13 Approach
Mercy/13’s approach to women’s football is a far cry from the conventional model. The group has a laser-like focus on women’s football, eschewing any involvement in men’s sports or other ventures. This singular attention to women’s football is precisely what Cogevina Reynal believes will set the group apart and drive success. “We’re not doing other sports. We’re not doing men’s football. We have a 24/7 focus on women’s football,” she emphasizes.
To understand the significance of this approach, it’s essential to consider the current state of women’s football. Historically, women’s teams have been relegated to secondary status, often forced to operate in the shadow of their male counterparts. Cogevina Reynal is determined to upend this paradigm and create a platform that showcases women’s football as a valuable and sustainable business.
The proof of this commitment lies in FC Como Women’s transformation since the takeover. The club has undergone a significant revamp, including a rebranding and the introduction of new players. Slovenian midfielder Dominika Conc, who joined the team due to its commitment to women’s-only football, remarks, “It’s nice to be somewhere where you don’t need to constantly fight for certain things.”
A Clear Business Strategy
Cogevina Reynal’s vision is not limited to merely improving women’s football; it’s about building a sustainable business model. To this end, Mercury/13 has brought on board former England international Eni Aluko, who played a pivotal role in the success of Angel City FC. Aluko’s experience has been instrumental in shaping the group’s commercial strategy.
Creating a Platform
Mercy/13’s ambition extends beyond merely investing in women’s football; the group aims to create a platform that transcends the sport itself. By focusing on inclusion and gender equality, the group is attracting sponsors who share its vision. “This is not a charity; it’s a business, so we have to make it work,” emphasizes Elena Mirandola, chief executive of FC Como Women.
A New Frontier: The UK Market
Although Mercury/13’s initial investment was in Italy, the group has set its sights on expanding into the UK market. Cogevina Reynal has stated that investing in England is an “absolute priority,” highlighting the group’s enthusiasm for the Women’s Super League. Despite a setback in negotiations to buy Lewes FC, Mercury/13 remains committed to establishing a presence in the UK.
Mario Malave, the group’s co-chief executive, emphasizes the potential of women’s football: “If you give women’s football dedicated management, dedicated capital, and nurture it, it’s going to grow and blossom tremendously and become that sustainable business.” This sentiment echoes the views of businesswoman Michele Kang, who owns London City Lionesses, Lyon, and Washington Spirit. Kang, too, believes in the financial case for women’s football and is eager to see more investors follow her lead.
An Exciting Future Ahead
The convergence of these factors – Mercury/13’s investment, Cogevina Reynal’s vision, and the growth of women’s football in general – signals an exciting future for the sport in the United States and beyond. As investors, players, and fans come together to support women’s football, it’s becoming increasingly clear that this is a venture worth backing.
“I would say there’s no higher potential than women’s football today,” Malave asserts. As the sport continues to gain traction and Mercury/13’s ambitious plans unfold, it’s essential to keep a close eye on the developments in women’s football. With its commitment to creating a sustainable business model and its focus on inclusion and gender equality, Mercury/13 is poised to revolutionize the sport and redefine its place in the global football landscape.
External Link: For more information on women’s football, visit Wikipedia.