Forbes’ estimated value for Angel City is US$30 million higher than their valuation in a deal from last year that saw Willow Bay and Disney chief executive Bob Iger become the controlling shareholders in the team. The franchise has become renowned for their innovative sponsorship strategy that has blue-chip brands like DoorDash and Chevrolet come on board as partners. Meanwhile, the Current have benefited from owning their home stadium, which was the first to be built specifically for a women’s soccer team.

Angel City were one of multiple NWSL teams involved in major transactions recently, with the Wave valued at US$120 million when they were bought by the Levine Leichtman family last year. The latest deal involved the Utah Royals, as they were sold to the Miller family as part of a deal also involving Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Real Salt Lake in April. In January, the league’s latest expansion team was awarded to Denver for a reported record fee of US$110 million.

The flurry of deals indicate the high level of investor interest in the league, which set attendance and TV audience records last year. However, Forbes reports that teams’ losses remain high, and often exceed US$10 million annually, with the Current the only team expecting to break even on an operating basis this year.