Sunderland Women's new majority owners reveal 'world class' plans

Bay Collective, the new majority owners, have promised to "build a world-class environment for women's football for generations to come".

Backed by US investment firm Sixth Street, Bay Collective is a multi-club ownership platform that they say is "built around the belief that women's football clubs can win, thrive and set new standards for the sport on a global scale".

Sunderland Women are now the second club in Bay Collective's platform, joining Bay FC of the National Women's Soccer League in the US.

Sunderland will retain a minority stake.

RECOMMENDED READING:

• Florent Ghisolfi lifts lid on key Leeds moment & explains Sunderland 'frustration'
• Why Sunderland are in 'excellent' financial position - and impact on SCR and Europe
• Sunderland CEO confirms external takeover interest and explains Louis-Dreyfus stance

A joint Sunderland and Bay Collective statement said: "The milestone marks the official launch of a transformative new chapter for the club, one of English women's football's most historic and storied institutions.

"Together, Bay Collective and Sunderland AFC Women will focus on strengthening player development, enhancing the matchday experience for fans, and investing in critical infrastructure, including the Academy of Light, to build a world-class environment for women's football for generations to come."

Bay Collective chief executive Kay Cossington, MBE, said: “What drew us to Sunderland from the very beginning was the depth of its identity, the history, the academy, the fans, and the incredible legacy this club has built in English women's football.

“Our ambition is to build this club sustainably and thoughtfully, investing across every part of the organization from player development to infrastructure to the matchday experience so that the success we create here lasts well beyond any of us.

"This is the moment the real work begins, and we couldn't be more excited for it.”

Tom Burwell, Sunderland chief executive, said: "This is a significant and exciting step for our club, and we are thrilled to partner with Bay Collective for the future of Sunderland Women.

"Bay Collective brings world-class expertise and a genuine belief in what this club can become, and we look forward to what this partnership will deliver for our players, our Academy, and our fans.”