November 10 – Seattle Sounders are reportedly in advanced talks to buy Seattle-based NWSL outfit OL Reign as the side looks ahead to its first ever shot at the NWSL Championship title against Gotham FC at the weekend.
OL Groupe, now majority owned by American businessman John Textor, acquired the club for $3.5 million in 2019, but is looking sell for up to $50 million for the NWSL outfit.
The news breaks after Textor announced a long-term refinancing of around €320 million for the French group after its finances were hit during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If bought, Megan Rapinoe’s side would likely undergo a Sounders-themed name change to fit with its MLS neighbours.
A recent valuation of the Reign stands at $49 million. Expansion NWSL clubs in both the Bay Area and Boston are paying about $53 million for their franchises.
A number of NWSL clubs have changed hands in the past two years, including Washington Spirit and Chicago Red Stars.
“OL Reign is fully focused on the NWSL Championship this weekend with a goal of bringing our first title back home to Seattle,” the team said in a statement to Sportico. “The process on the sale of the club continues and we will share updates as they become available.”
OL Reign secured a historic victory over league winning San Diego Wave in the Final Series semi-final 1-0.
Rapinoe’s side face Gotham FC at the weekend in what could be the icing on the cake to see off ex-USWNT captain Rapinoe’s illustrious career in Women’s football.
The American veteran helped the U.S. Women’s National Team win two Women’s World Cups (2015 and 2019) as well as a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics and a bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1714403916labto1714403916ofdlr1714403916owedi1714403916sni@g1714403916niwe.1714403916yrrah1714403916