BREAKING: Seattle Reign FC Nearly Sold For $58 Million- Meet NWSL Club’s Upcoming Owners Involving Seattle Sounders

Looks like the long ambition to sell the Seattle Reign FC has finally concluded for the owners, OL Groupe. According to reports, the 2023 NWSL runners-up may find themselves under new ownership soon. Earlier in the day, announcements suggested that the OL Groupe’s main point of interest lies in men’s soccer. Also managing European giants Olympique Lyon, the French firm sold the club’s women’s wing to Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang in February.

This time they have reportedly reached an understanding with a firm related to the MLS team Seattle Sounders and global investment company Carlyle to hand over OL Reign. The deal is expected to be worth $58 million with all the stakes of the company to be sold, which comprises 97% of the club’s share. Nonetheless, the trade will not be fully settled until it receives the approval of both the NWSL and MLS Board of Governors. Meanwhile, Reign predicts it to be done within the first half of 2024.

The club’s website on Monday stated, “OL Groupe announced today that an agreement has been reached with a group including Seattle Sounders FC and global investment firm Carlyle, for the sale of Seattle Reign FC. The transaction is expected to close in early 2024, subject to approval by both the NWSL and MLS Board of Governors,” revealing further formalities.

The agreement and the background of the potential new owners could also be evaluated by NWSL and MLS after the new ownership rules have been laid out this year. Even though it isn’t yet clear which group involved with Seattle Sounders is in the picture, global investment firm Carlyle will be another shareholder. Carlyle is one of the world’s largest investment companies managing $426 billion worth of assets. Nevertheless, an ownership change shouldn’t ideally see a decline in the club’s performance.

Seattle Reign looking for their maiden NWSL title

The club from Washington may need to adapt to a few changes. Apart from the potentially new ownership, Seattle Reign will miss their legend Megan Rapinoe after her retirement. But, the club will now aim to seal their first NWSL Championship keeping aside the three shields they won. Missing out by the thinnest of margins last year, the Reign lost its third final in the competition to Gotham FC leaving Rapinoe without a single title.

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After Rapinoe’s departure, the team has now received three international players Angharad James, Lily Woodham, and Ji So-Yun as a boost. Ultimately, the club is looking at a major shift in terms of ownership and also the squad. But whether it would help them win their first NWSL title has to be seen.

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