Angel Reese becomes part-owner of soccer team in USL Super League

It’s not clear how much stake Reese, a Randallstown, Maryland native, will have in the new team.

“I want to help grow women’s sports and elevate female athletes across the board,” Reese, now with the Chicago Sky, said in a statement. “We’re taking over, and I’m honored to be able to support Power FC and invest in women’s soccer in the DMV community.”

Reese has become a household name after helping lead the LSU Tigers to an NCAA Tournament title in 2023, going head-to-head with Caitlin Clark during the past two March Madness runs. 

She is part of the new generation of recent college athletes who have taken advantage of name, image and likeness (NIL) deals to capitalize on their stardom and get paid while still in school.

Reese has also been credited with helping to raise the profile of women’s basketball as she begins her first year as a pro. 

“Angel’s decision to be a founding investor alongside us in Power FC is groundbreaking,” Jason Levien, D.C. United CEO and co-chairman, said in a statement. “As a Maryland native, Angel is so passionate about being a catalyst for positive change in women’s sports in the DMV as well as globally while inspiring the next generation of female athletes. We’re looking forward to her partnership in the boardroom as an equity partner.”

Reese told The Athletic that she’s still trying to figure out things in the sports business world, but aspires to fully own a team one day. 

“I’m just expecting to do as much as I can, help that organization as much as I can,” she told the outlet. “I know a lot more women are going to start owning more things, and hopefully one day I can own my own team. That’s what I’m looking forward to. I want to own a WNBA team as well.”

The USL Super League was granted first-division status by U.S. Soccer earlier this year, which puts it on the same level as the NWSL. 

Washington, D.C. is among the eight markets that will be part of the new league that also includes teams in Brooklyn, Charlotte, N.C., Dallas/Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Tampa, Fla. Lexington, Ky., and Spokane, Wash.