Bay Collective seals 80 per cent stake in Sunderland Women | OneFootball

Bay Collective, the multi-club group backed by Sixth Street and led by Kay Cossington, has completed an 80 per cent takeover of Sunderland Women following Women’s Super League approval. The club retains a minority stake in a move aimed at accelerating a return to the WSL, last reached in 2017.

“We really believe in the DNA and identity of the club,” Cossington said, speaking to The Athletic.

She added that investment will rise but “it won’t be a large amount all in one go. We want to build this in a sustainable way.”

The agreement was reached in April despite exclusivity ending in February.

Sixth Street previously funded Bay FC’s 2023 launch with a then-record $53million, and former Everton executive Hannah Forshaw has joined to support the transition.

The women train at the Academy of Light, with plans to maximise facilities under a one-club model and to strengthen the pathway.

Sunderland play mainly at Eppleton, with promotion set to bring all league games to the Stadium of Light. “This is a really bold statement but I’d love to be sitting there one day and the Stadium of Light is sold out and everyone’s coming to watch the women play.”

Source: NY Times