Multi-club group acquires majority stake of Bristol City Women | OneFootball

A multi-club ownership group has acquired the majority of women's second-tier side Bristol City.

Mercury13 are a company that already has a majority share in Italian side Como FC, who are currently competing in Serie A and feature the likes of Alisha Lehmann and former Leicester City defender Sophie Howard. The company also includes former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata as one of its investors.

The company has now confirmed its majority stake investment in the WSL 2 club.

"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," said Mercury co-founder and co-CEO Mario Malavé about the acquisition.

"Our entry into the English football pyramid is a major milestone for Mercury13, and one we approach with deep respect and responsibility. We’re honoured by the Lansdown family’s trust and are committed to building something special alongside the Bristol community."

Bristol City Women have a curious history. They originally emerged after two clubs, the Bristol Rovers girls' team and Cable-Tel LFC to make Bristol Rovers' first women's senior team.

However, Rovers eventually pulled funding which meant the club changed to Bristol Academy from 2005 until 2013, when Bristol City sponsored the team to make the club as we know it today.

That sponsorship is likely to continue for now due a long-term agreement that also sees the team play at Ashton Gate stadium.

Bristol City are currently eight in the WSL 2 after two games and will face a trip to take on Southampton on Sunday.