APEX completes first private equity investment in a professional women's soccer league ⚽
London and Lisbon-based international sports investment firm APEX has taken a strategic stake in Canada's Northern Super League, completing what is described as the first private equity investment in a professional women's soccer league globally. The NSL launched in April 2025 with six clubs and drew over 200,000 fans in its debut season. APEX's investment will support the league's commercial infrastructure, broadcast strategy and expansion plans. NSL Commissioner Carolyn Wilkins framed the deal as a validation of the league's early momentum and a signal to other investors that women's soccer in Canada is a credible, scalable asset.
"Women's football has the players, the fans, and the competitive quality. With the right capital and commercial infrastructure behind it, the sport has the opportunity to unlock significant long-term value globally. The NSL delivered in season one. Now we are excited to help enable the next phase of growth."
— António Caçorino, Founder & CEO, APEX
Liga F approves Pau Gasol's €55 million investment, the largest in women's club football history ⚽
Spain's Liga F has voted to approve the €55 million commercial investment from Pau Gasol's Gasol16 Ventures and Fortified Partners, confirming what is now the largest private investment in women's club football history. The funds will be distributed over four seasons to build out the league's commercial and operational infrastructure. Liga F drew 7.5 million viewers last season, up 11.2% year-on-year, and closed the fiscal year with €25.8 million in revenue. Gasol was explicit that the investment is data-driven, not philanthropic, framing women's football as a growth opportunity rather than a cause.
“This is not an emotional investment in women’s sport. It’s an investment decision driven by data, market trends, and the conviction that women’s football represents a tremendous growth opportunity."
— Pau Gasol, Founder & President, Gasol16 Ventures
Konkola Copper Mines backs launch of Zambia's first women's football cup with K10.8 million deal 🏟️
The Football Association of Zambia and Konkola Copper Mines have signed a K10.8 million sponsorship deal to establish the first dedicated cup competition for women's football in Zambia. KCM's Acting CEO Malcolm Mewett framed the investment as a direct expression of the company's commitment to women's empowerment, while FAZ President Keith Mweemba described it as a significant milestone for the development of women's football in the country. The competition fills a structural gap in Zambian women's football, which has lacked a standalone cup format at national level.
"Today KCM, once again, steps into a pioneering role. They have seen the immense opportunity and undeniable excellence within our women’s game. Their sponsorship of the Copper Queens and the creation of a historic cup competition for the women’s league is a game changer."
— Kangwa Chileshe, Permanent Secretary, Zambia Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts
Hastko raises €3 million to scale seamless sports bra technology into the US market 🩱
Female-founded sportswear startup Hastko has raised €3 million to fund its expansion into the United States, having developed a seamless bra construction technique it claims reduces pressure points and improves comfort during high-impact sport. The round supports manufacturing scale-up and US market entry. While not a women's sport property investment, Hastko sits at the intersection of female athlete performance and the growing commercial infrastructure around women's sport participation, a space attracting increasing investor attention.
Pennies Day Nursery becomes shirt sleeve sponsor of Maidstone United Women 🏉
Kent-based childcare provider Pennies Day Nursery has signed a shirt sleeve sponsorship with Maidstone United Women ahead of the club's step up to London & South East Division One North following a title-winning season. The deal came out of a local job fair and reflects a growing pattern of community businesses using women's football as an accessible entry point into sports sponsorship.
“Our thanks to the team at Pennies for coming on board as a women’s team sponsor. Through this sponsorship and the other deals we have in place, we want to back Tori and her team to make the best possible start in the London & South East Division One North.”
— Bob Gouldson, Club Director of Operations, Maidstone United Women
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