The co-founders of Angel City Football Club (ACFC) led a discussion panel at USC on Friday to discuss how women can create business opportunities for other women in sports beyond the field of soccer. Indicated.
The event focused on the work of ACFC and Monarch Collective, an investment fund that invests exclusively in women’s sports, and discussed how their work has contributed to shaping and investing in women’s sports.
ACFC is the National Women’s Soccer League team representing Los Angeles. The club was founded in July 2020, but he did not start playing until the 2022 season.
The co-founders are Natalie Portman, Monarch Collective Managing Partner Kara Nortman, and ACFC Chair Julie Arman.
Ullman, one of three panelists, said the club’s pitch was different from a normal team’s. She spoke about their mission to create real leadership opportunities for women in sports.
“We want to be an organization where mission and capital can coexist. We want to be a platform that represents equity and impact in everything we do,” Ullman said. Told. “We use sports and this idea of building community and creating a sense of belonging to ultimately move towards equity and bend the curve towards gender equality and pay equity.”
Sophia Bush, a University of Southern California graduate, was also one of the panelists.
“The traditional methodologies of male-run businesses are idiosyncratic and narrowly focused. And as women, we face more obstacles, get paid less, and do more with fewer resources. Because I’m used to doing things, I’ve been able to spin a lot of plates at the same time,” said Bush, who is also an actress, activist, and ACFC investor. .
Other notable ACFC investors are Becky G., America Ferrera, Jessica Chastain, Eva Longoria, Casey Neistat, Candace Parker, and Gabrielle Union.
ACFC played its first game in front of a sold-out crowd in March 2022, ending in a 1-1 draw against the San Diego Wave.
ACFC co-founder Nortman said this is just the beginning for the team.
“The reason we were successful was because we projected strength and confidence and made that shift…We went from ‘I’m grateful to be here’ to ‘We’re going to go all out.’ We’ve transitioned,” Nortman said.
Lisa Finnegan, co-director of the Student Leadership Academy and director of internships at Angel City, said ACFC is changing the future of sports.
“They are an exemplary example of what can be done when women take the lead and provide leadership. They are changing the game in so many different ways and are inspiring both men and women around the world. can be an inspiration,” Finnegan said.