Mercury 13 Expands Portfolio with Bristol City Women Acquisition

In a groundbreaking move for women’s soccer, Mercury 13, a U.S.-based multi-club ownership group, has announced its acquisition of a significant majority stake in Bristol City Women. This marks Mercury 13’s second major investment in European women’s soccer, following their purchase of Serie A side Como Women in 2024.

The deal, which still needs league approval, signals a new era for Bristol City Women. The Lansdown family, who have owned the club for years, will keep a minority stake but hand over control to Mercury 13.

This acquisition could set a new precedent in women’s football. It aims to blend an integrated club structure with commercial independence, which feels like a refreshing shift.

Mercury 13’s Vision and Ambition

Founded in 2023 by Victoire Cogevina Reynal and Mario Malave, Mercury 13 wants to shake up women’s soccer through smart investment, competitive ambition, and a real focus on fans. The group’s mission is to build a portfolio of clubs across Europe and South America, bringing a new level of professionalism and support to the women’s game.

Their acquisition of Bristol City Women fits right into this vision. They’re aiming to turn the club into one of the top names in English women’s football, which is no small feat.

Previous Investments and Successes

Mercury 13 started by entering exclusive talks to acquire Lewes FC, a lower-division English side, in 2023. That deal fell through, but it set the groundwork for their first big success: a controlling stake in Como Women in 2024.

The group spent a year rebuilding the Italian club, treating it as a pilot project to refine their approach. That experience paved the way for their latest move with Bristol City Women.

Bristol City Women’s Rich History

Bristol City Women, once called Bristol Academy WFC, have a rich history in English women’s football. As a founding member of the Women’s Super League (WSL) in 2011, the club has reached some impressive milestones.

They made it to two Women’s FA Cup Finals in 2011 and 2013, and finished as WSL runners-up in 2013. The team even competed in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, reaching the quarter-finals in 2014 and facing Barcelona.

Recent Performance and Infrastructure

Bristol City Women earned promotion to the top flight at the end of the 2022-2023 season, but unfortunately faced relegation the next year. Still, the club remains a key part of the Bristol Sport Group, which has invested heavily in both the men’s and women’s teams.

This includes a £50 million redevelopment of Ashton Gate and the Robins High Performance Centre. Under Mercury 13, the women’s club will keep playing at Ashton Gate and training at the high-performance center.

The Future Under Mercury 13

Mercury 13 plans to bring a new level of investment and attention to Bristol City Women. They’re focusing on the club’s Tier 1 Academy, hoping to create a clear and competitive path from youth teams to the first team.

This focus on youth development feels crucial for the club’s long-term success. It’s not just about the present—it’s about building something that lasts.

Strategic Investment and Growth

Victoire Cogevina Reynal, Mercury 13’s co-founder, talked about the importance of this acquisition for the group’s strategy. “We had a year rebuilding Como women, and it’s been a great pilot. Now we couldn’t be more excited to extend it into other countries, other leagues, other audiences, and continue making this vision a reality,” she said.

The group identified Bristol City early on as a club with real potential, thanks to its infrastructure, legacy, and fanbase. That combination is hard to find, honestly.

Setting a New Precedent

This is the first acquisition of its kind in England, setting a new model for women’s football by combining an integrated club structure with commercial independence. Stephen Lansdown, founder of the Bristol Sport Group, shared his optimism about the partnership:

“The growth in women’s football is 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 for City Women. Mercury 13’s ambition for women’s football matches our own; their dedicated investment and focus on women’s football will accelerate Bristol City Women’s growth, and I look forward to seeing what the club can achieve in the years to come.”

Impact on Women’s Soccer

Mercury 13’s purchase of Bristol City Women stands out as more than just a business move. By investing in the club’s infrastructure and youth development, Mercury 13 is setting a new standard for how women’s clubs can run professionally and sustainably.

This move could inspire other investors and ownership groups to consider similar steps in women’s football. It feels like a moment that might really speed up the sport’s growth.