Actress Natalie Portman and venture capitalist Kara Nortman lead a group that will bring an expansion National Women's Soccer League team to the Los Angeles area in 2022.
The team, tentatively named Angel City, will bring the league to 11 teams.
“Today we take an exciting step by announcing the first women majority-owned and led ownership group,” Founder Natalie Portman said in a news release. “I am thrilled by the opportunity to partner with this incredible group of people to bring a professional women’s soccer team to Los Angeles. Together, we aim to build not only a winning team on the field but also to develop a passionately loyal fan base. We also hope to make a substantive impact on our community, committing to extending access to sports for young people in Los Angeles through our relationship with the LA84 Foundation. Sports are such a joyful way to bring people together, and this has the power to make a tangible change for female athletes both in our community and in the professional sphere.”
Louisville FC joins the nine current NWSL clubs next season.
Portman and Nortman are joined by gaming entrepreneur Julie Uhrman, who is president in the majority-female group.
Others involved include sports stars Serena Williams and Mia Hamm, and actors Eva Longoria, America Ferrera, Jennifer Garner, and Uzo Aduba.
The team plans to kick off their season in the spring of 2022.
