Racing Louisville FC
Racing Louisville FC's ownership group has begun exploring a partial sale of the team. The NWSL team, owned by Soccer Holdings, LLC, is seeking additional investment to stay competitive.
What happened?
Racing Louisville FC's ownership group, chaired by John Neace, has started the process of looking for new investors. This move comes as the team aims to boost its resources and competitiveness in the league.
Why it matters for Racing Louisville FC
The team's value has skyrocketed thanks to the NWSL's rapid growth, with recent valuations ranging from $127 million to $140 million. However, Racing Louisville FC still ranks as one of the least valuable franchises in the NWSL.
What comes next?
Commissioner Jessica Berman is involved in the matter, and the team has stated that it is not interested in relocating or giving up controlling ownership. Racing Louisville FC is coming off its first-ever trip to the playoffs and has assembled a competitive young roster.
| Year | Expansion Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | less than $2 million |
| 2025 | $205 million (Columbus, Ohio franchise) |
The team's attendance has lagged, with an average of around 5,500 fans per game last season. In contrast, Louisville City FC's attendance has hovered around 10,000 fans since the pandemic.
Racing Louisville FC's quest for new investment comes at a time when the NWSL is receiving significant interest from new prospective owners and markets. The team is seeking further investment and an equity partner to ensure its competitiveness in the league.
