Sunderland sell majority stake in women's team to Bay Collective

Sunderland have sold a majority stake in their women's team to US multi-club ownership group Bay Collective.

- by Phil Smith

Backed by US investment firm Sixth Street, the Bay Collective is an ownership group dedicated to building women's football clubs. Sunderland will become the second club in their portfolio, alongside US side Bay FC.

The deal is subject to approval from the relevant footballing authorities, but has been agreed by the two parties after almost a year of negotiations.

Sunderland's interim CEO Tom Burwell said it was a 'significant step' for the club, and that they had considered several options before settling on Bay Collective. The deal will see Sunderland retain a minority stake, which the club say will 'ensure continuity with its identity, values, and intellectual property'. The Women's team will be run in partnership with the broader club, and the team will continue to operate from the Academy of Light.