• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Sue Bird, Eli Manning Bring Gotham FC to $40M Valuation

  • Sue Bird and Eli Manning have joined Gotham FC as investors.
  • The investment puts the NWSL team at a reported $40 million valuation.
Gotham-FC-players-clapping-to-fans
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Gotham FC has reportedly set a new record for the NWSL by hitting a $40 million valuation.

Sue Bird and Eli Manning have joined USWNT legend Carli Lloyd, Kevin Durant’s Thirty Five Ventures, and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and wife Tammy Murphy as investors. 

Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but Bird’s deal reportedly requires her to serve as an advisor to the NJ/NY team.

  • Bird, who will retire from the WNBA at the end of the season after playing 19 seasons for the Seattle Storm, is a New York native.
  • Manning retired following the NFL’s 2019 season after 16 seasons as a New York Giants quarterback. He rejoined the team last June with a role in business operations and fan engagement.

Gotham FC isn’t Bird’s first investment. The five-time gold medalist has a stake in fitness equipment maker Tonal — which reached a $1.6 billion valuation last year — and co-owns media production company Togethxr with Alex Morgan, Chloe Kim, and Simone Manuel. 

Manning is a partner of private equity firm Brand Velocity Group.

League Love

Other NWSL teams also have high-profile athlete investors. Angel City FC’s ownership group includes Abby Wambach, Mia Hamm, and Serena Williams, while Naomi Osaka is an investor in the North Carolina Courage.

The NWSL has rights deals with Amazon and CBS until 2024, reportedly worth $2.5 million. The league’s first collective bargaining agreement was struck earlier this year, which calls for a $100 million investment by team owners.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

CBS Sports to Get New Owner As Skydance Merger Clears FCC Hurdle

The long-awaited, but highly debated, merger gains regulatory approval.
Dec 7, 2024; New York, New York, USA; A general view of Times Square during the MLS Cup Times Square Watch Party prior to the game between the LA Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls.

MLS Reveals Apple TV Streaming Numbers, Raising Questions

The league gives a rare glimpse inside the high-profile streaming pact.
exclusive

ESPN Locks in Bulk of Bill Belichick’s First UNC Season

The network’s ACC media rights deal will pay off this season.

WNBA Hits Fourth-Highest ABC Viewership With Clark-Bueckers Duel

Clark missed the first Fever vs. Wings game with an injury.

Featured Today

Las Vegas sign

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Limited Hype
July 27, 2025

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.
HAPPY GILMORE 2. BTS - (L to R) Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore and Rory McIlroy as himself on the set of Happy Gilmore2.
July 26, 2025

‘Cool As Hell’: How ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Hooked Golf’s Top Stars

The process was “cool as hell,” Adam Sandler tells FOS.
Jun 10, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Indiana Fever injured guard Caitlin Clark (22) follows the action from the bench against the Atlanta Dream during the second half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park.
July 24, 2025

Caitlin Clark’s Injury Not Worse, but Status for Chicago, Dallas Unclear

Clark has been out since suffering a groin injury on July 15.
July 29, 2025

Mario Lemieux Trying to Reacquire Penguins 4 Years After Selling

The former NHL great looks to return to team ownership.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Jul 9, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles (31) hugs guard Leila Lacan (47) after a play against the Seattle Storm in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena.
July 24, 2025

Sun Will Play in Connecticut Next Year Amid Relocation Rumors

The team told season-ticket holders they’ll stay for 2026.
July 23, 2025

Packers Hit Record $719M in Revenue, Riding NFL’s Growth Wave

The NFL team’s annual revenue and operating profit both grow strongly.
Jul 11, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Storm guard Tiffany Mitchell (25) drives around Connecticut Sun forward Aneesah Morrow (24) during the first half at Climate Pledge Arena.
July 23, 2025

NFL Star Bobby Wagner Takes Ownership Stake in Seattle Storm

Sue Bird joined the ownership group last year.
Jul 23, 2025; Ashburn, VA, USA; A view of a Washington Commanders team flag flying in front of team headquarters on day one of training camp at OrthoVirginia Training Center at Commanders Park.
July 23, 2025

D.C. Nears Commanders Stadium Vote Amid Trump’s Name Push

Local government leaders try to stay focused on completing the stadium pact.