Private equity giant Sixth Street is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire an 80% stake in Sunderland AFC Women. The deal, first reported by Bloomberg, would value the club in the “tens of millions of pounds” and see the women’s side join one of the most significant private equity portfolios in global football.
The acquisition would be executed through Bay Collective, Sixth Street’s multi-club investment platform. This is not the firm’s first foray into the sport; they previously anchored the launch of Bay FC in the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Strategic Separation
The deal would allow Sunderland AFC’s current ownership group, led by Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, to pivot its primary focus toward the men’s squad, which is currently competing in the Premier League.
This move mirrors a growing trend of “unbundling” women’s teams from their male counterparts to attract specialized investment:
- Everton FC: Recently sold its women’s section to a company linked to owner Dan Friedkin for approximately £60 million.
- Sixth Street: Seeking to capitalize on the rapid commercialization of the English game.
A Landmark Moment for the WSL
The potential takeover comes as the Women’s Super League (WSL) reaches a historic financial turning point. According to Deloitte’s Annual Review of Football Finance 2025, the WSL is set to become the first women’s football league in the world to surpass £100 million ($126M) in annual revenue.
| Key Financial Milestone | Detail |
| Revenue Forecast | Exceeding £100 million (approx. €114M) |
| Strategic Advisors | Goldman Sachs and Deloitte |
| Recent Funding | £20 million interest-free loan from the Premier League (2024) |
The Road to Profitability
Despite the record-breaking revenue figures, the league faces a “sustainability gap.” Most clubs currently operate at a loss and remain financially dependent on their men’s organizations.
To address this, the WSL is actively exploring long-term strategic options. While several private equity funds have expressed interest in investing directly into the league structure, officials have stated that no firm decisions have been made as they prioritize sustainable, long-term growth over immediate cash injections.