Gotham FC keeps on growing. The club announced on Wednesday that Thirty-Five Ventures (35V) co-founded by NBA legend Kevin Durant and entrepreneur Rich Kleiman will be joining the team as a minority owner. 35V are the third group of investors to take a stake in the franchise, joining Kristin Bernert and Karen Bryant and Carli Lloyd this year.
“This is another big step forward for our franchise,” said Ed Nalbandian, Managing Owner, Gotham FC. “Kevin and Rich are two of the most influential people in sports and their work in the business and entertainment world and their significant investment in Gotham FC illustrates the potential of our club. They will be tremendous resources to the club across multiple areas and we’re excited to welcome them to the Gotham FC family.”
The NWSL has seen a growth in investment over the last year with Angel City pulling in celebrities like Natalie Portman and Serena Williams. Other teams like the Washington Spirit partnering with the Kennedy Center and Naomi Osaka investing in the North Carolina Courage have been some of the few strides made. Gotham FC joins these teams with their new owners and investors who all strive to grow the game.
“As a New York-based company, the opportunity for us to partner with a forward-thinking team like Gotham FC was a no brainer,” said 35V co-founder Rich Kleiman. “There’s been so much growth in the NWSL in recent years, and the chance to be a part of that growth and work directly with the Gotham FC executive team and players is really exciting”
Margaret Purce of Gotham FC
35V Joining the Gotham FC Family
35V is not new to investing in sports having recently paired with Just Women’s Sports, Athletes Unlimited, and are part owners in Major Leagues Soccer Philadelphia Union. The investment from 35V will work with Gotham FC to on content creation, social media support, player relations, and community outreach
“Bringing in Kevin, Rich, and 35V as investors is a huge statement about the positive trajectory of our club,” said Tammy Murphy, Club Chair, Gotham FC. “The level of enthusiasm they’ve displayed has been above and beyond anything we could have anticipated. We have tremendous aspirations this year both on and off the field and, together with 35V’s support and resources, we’re going to make sure New Jersey and New York hear all about it!”
What's Next for Gotham FC
Gotham FC is now preparing for their 2022 home opener at Red Bull Arena on May 14th. Gotham FC will take on the North Carolina Courage at 7PM ET. Tickets are available at gothamfc.com and the match will stream on Paramount +.
