The website dedicated to women's football across the country, at ALL levels of the game

@en

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Back to home page

Mercury 13 acquire stake in Bristol City Women

In a landmark move for English women’s football, Mercury13, a multi-club ownership group focused on advancing the women’s game, has acquired a majority stake in Bristol City Women.

The Lansdown family, who have supported the club for nearly two decades, will retain a minority shareholding, marking the first deal of its kind in English football.

This acquisition follows Mercury13’s 2024 investment in Italian Serie A side Como Women, making Bristol City Women their second European venture. The group aims to drive dedicated investment, enhance infrastructure, and foster commercial innovation for The Robins, with a vision to boost commercial growth, elevate sporting performance, and strengthen the club’s cultural impact in Bristol and its surrounding community.

Under Mercury13’s stewardship, Bristol City Women are poised for a transformative period. With new Head Coach Charlotte Healy and 13 new signings, the club is targeting a return to the Barclays Women’s Super League. They will continue to play at Ashton Gate Stadium under a long-term agreement, reflecting a commitment to fan engagement and matchday excellence, while training at the Robins High Performance Centre.

Stephen Lansdown CBE, reflecting on the family’s long standing involvement, told bcfc.co.uk: “My family and I have watched and supported the women’s team for nearly two decades. From the early days when they competed as Bristol Academy, to fully funding and integrating the club into Bristol City, we are proud to have helped be a part of growing the women’s game. The growth in women’s football is astounding. Mercury13’s ambition for women’s football matches our own; their dedicated investment and focus will accelerate Bristol City Women’s growth.”

Bristol City Women Chair and Bristol Sport CEO Gavin Marshall, who spearheaded the acquisition, added: “This is a pivotal moment for Bristol City Women. Mercury13 have been excellent to work with throughout the acquisition and have the commitment and capability to drive Bristol City Women forward and continue our proud history as a progressive, innovative and community-focussed club.”

Mercury13, founded by Victoire Cogevina Reynal and Mario Malavé, is building a portfolio of clubs to redefine women’s football through strategic investment and fan-focused growth. Malavé, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, stated: “Bristol City Women represents everything we look for in a club: a rich history; a track record of performance; world-class infrastructure; and incredibly loyal supporters.

“We’re honoured by the Lansdown family’s trust and are committed to building something special alongside the Bristol community.”

The club’s Tier 1 Academy, serving the South West and Wales, will see further investment to strengthen its player development pipeline. Hannah Haynes, Mercury13’s Chief Strategy Officer, who led the acquisition, noted: “We are proud to have reached this agreement. We aim to build on strong foundations, enhance the matchday experience and establish the club as a competitive force and a household fixture in the South West.”

With Mercury13’s ambitious vision and Bristol City Women’s rich legacy, the club is set to embark on an exciting new chapter in women’s football.

Source of quotes: Bristol City FC official website (bcfc.co.uk)