Sunderland Women begin new era as Bay Collective outline ambitions | OneFootball

Sunderland Women have formally moved under new majority ownership after the WSL approved Bay Collective's takeover ahead of the 2026/27 season, Sunderland Echo reports.

The US multi-club group, backed by investment firm Sixth Street, now holds a controlling stake and will run day-to-day operations. Sunderland retains a minority share, so the team continues under the club banner and at the Academy of Light. The parties will work closely to drive the club's growth.

Cossington said the North East is a vital region and a hotbed of talent, adding that Sunderland's community roots make the club uniquely powerful.

She felt Bay Collective had found partners with shared ambition to revive Sunderland Women's glory days, saying it felt a match from day one.

Bay Collective plan to build sustainably with steady investment over a number of years, and Cossington outlined an intention to restore Sunderland Women to former heights. "I think this club could be competing with the very best in the world," Cossington said.

She added: "I don't see why not, I think the club has been there previously. This is not something new." Cossington cited a production line featuring Lucy Bronze, Jill Scott, Steph Houghton, Lucy Staniforth and Debbie Stokes, and said: "It's time to bring back those days."

Source: Sunderland Echo