Mercury13 Acquires Majority Stake in Bristol City Women.

Roger Hampel

Photo Credit: Mercury13

Mercury13, the multi-club ownership group dedicated to women’s football, has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Bristol City Women. The deal, subject to league approval, represents the group’s first investment in England and its second in Europe, following the acquisition of F.C. Como Women in 2024

Ownership Transition

This agreement is considered the first of its kind in England, creating a model that combines an integrated club structure with commercial independence. Mercury13, founded by Victoire Cogevina Reynal and Mario Malavé, aims to build a portfolio of women’s clubs across Europe to advance the game through investment, infrastructure, and strategic growth.

Bristol City Women was identified as a club with significant potential due to its facilities, fanbase, and legacy within the Women’s Super League. Under the terms of the deal, the club will continue to play at Ashton Gate Stadium and train at the Robins High Performance Centre, ensuring alignment between sporting performance and fan engagement.

The transaction sees the Lansdown family, long-time owners of Bristol City, transfer stewardship of the women’s side to Mercury13 while retaining a minority stake.

Stephen Lansdown, who invested heavily in Ashton Gate’s redevelopment and the Robins High Performance Centre, said:

“My family and I have watched and supported the women’s team for nearly two decades. From the early days as Bristol Academy to competing in the Champions League and now playing regularly at Ashton Gate, the growth of women’s football has been astounding. We have always said we would look at investment if it was the right partner at the right time, and I believe now is that time. Mercury13’s ambition for women’s football matches our own and will accelerate Bristol City Women’s growth.”

Mercury13’s Ambition Mercury13 Bristol City Women

Mario Malavé, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Mercury13, commented:

“Bristol City Women represents everything we look for in a club: a rich history, a track record of performance, world-class infrastructure, and incredibly loyal supporters. Our entry into the English football pyramid is a major milestone for Mercury13, and one we approach with deep respect and responsibility.”

Hannah Haynes, Chief Strategy Officer at Mercury13, added:

“We are proud to have reached this agreement and are committed to driving the growth of this distinctive and ambitious club during a pivotal time for women’s football in England. Working closely with broadcasters, commercial partners, and the community, our goal is to enhance the matchday experience and establish the club as a competitive force.”

Sporting Outlook

On the pitch, Head Coach Charlotte Healy has signed 13 new players as the team targets promotion back to the Women’s Super League. The club will continue to invest in its Tier 1 Academy, which has a strong record of developing international players, and aims to provide a clear pathway from youth to first-team football.

Bristol City Women’s first game at Ashton Gate this season is scheduled for September 27, with a 6 p.m. kickoff following a live screening of the Rugby World Cup Final. All league matches will be streamed on YouTube, with selected fixtures also broadcast on Sky Sports.

Strategic Context

The acquisition reinforces the trend of dedicated investment in women’s football, where clubs are increasingly seen as platforms for commercial growth and cultural influence. By establishing a presence in England, Mercury13 positions itself in one of the world’s most competitive women’s football markets, while Bristol City Women gains resources to strengthen its long-term sustainability and sporting ambitions.