{{Infobox football club | clubname = Angel City Football Club | image = Angel City FC logo.svg | fullname = Angel City Football Club | nickname = ACFC | founded = 2020 | ground = BMO Stadium | capacity = 22,000 | owner = Natalie Portman, Kara Nortman, Julie Uhrman (founding investors) | league = National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) | season = 2024 | position = TBD | current = [[Angel City FC season]] | website = [https://www.angelcity.com/ angelcity.com] }}
Angel City Football Club (ACFC) is a professional women's soccer team based in Los Angeles, California. The club was announced on July 21, 2020, and began play in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the top division of women's soccer in the United States, in the 2022 season. ACFC is notable for its primarily female-led ownership group, which includes numerous celebrities, athletes, and business leaders.
History
Angel City FC was founded by actress Natalie Portman, venture capitalist Kara Nortman, and entrepreneur Julie Uhrman. The founding announcement in 2020 garnered significant attention due to its star-studded and predominantly female ownership group, which includes tennis legend Serena Williams, actresses Jessica Chastain and Eva Longoria, and former U.S. Women's National Team players Mia Hamm, Abby Wambach, and Julie Foudy, among many others. The club's mission extends beyond the field, focusing on community impact, player well-being, and gender equity.The team officially joined the NWSL as an expansion franchise, becoming the 11th team in the league. They participated in the 2022 NWSL Expansion Draft and began building their roster ahead of their inaugural season. Freya Coombe was appointed as the club's first head coach.
ACFC played their first regular season NWSL match on April 29, 2022, against the North Carolina Courage, winning 2-1 at home in front of a sold-out crowd at BMO Stadium. The club quickly established itself as a fan favorite, consistently drawing large crowds and fostering a vibrant fan culture.
Stadium
Angel City FC plays its home matches at BMO Stadium (formerly Banc of California Stadium), located in the Exposition Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. The stadium is a soccer-specific venue with a seating capacity of 22,000. It is also the home stadium for Los Angeles FC of Major League Soccer (MLS).Club Identity
- Colors: The primary colors of Angel City FC are black, pink, and "solar orange," reflecting the vibrant and energetic spirit of Los Angeles.
- Crest: The club's crest features a shield design with an abstract interpretation of an angel's wing and the letters "AC" intertwined, symbolizing flight, forward movement, and the spirit of Los Angeles, often referred to as the "City of Angels."
- Motto: The club's unofficial motto, often used by fans and the organization, is "Volemos," which means "Let's Fly" in Spanish.
Ownership and Management
The ownership structure of Angel City FC is a defining characteristic. The founding investor group is a broad coalition of individuals from entertainment, sports, technology, and business. This diverse group has been instrumental in raising the profile of the club and advocating for women's sports. Julie Uhrman serves as the club's President.Community Impact
From its inception, Angel City FC has committed to a "Purpose-Driven" model. This includes allocating 10% of sponsorship revenue to community organizations and players' charities, focusing on initiatives that promote health, education, and equality in the Los Angeles area. This model aims to create a sustainable and impactful relationship between the club, its players, and the wider community.Supporters
Angel City FC boasts a passionate and growing fanbase, with several dedicated supporter groups, including "Excelsis" and "The Black Swans." These groups contribute to the lively atmosphere at home matches, known for their chants, tifo displays, and strong community presence.See Also
- [[National Women's Soccer League]]
- [[Women's soccer in the United States]]
- [[Los Angeles FC]]
- [[BMO Stadium]]