Sunderland Women begin exciting new era as Bay Collective reveal major ambitions for club
Sunderland Women are now officially under new ownership ahead of the 2026/27 campaign
A new era for Sunderland Women is officially underway after the WSL approved Bay Collective's takeover of the club.
The deal sees the US multi-club ownership group, who are backed by investment firm Sixth Street, assume a majority shareholding and control of the day-to-day running of the club. Sunderland will retain a minority shareholding, ensuring the team continues to play under the club banner and operate from the Academy of Light. The parties will work closely together to drive the growth of the club and Bay Collective CEO Kay Cossington says they believe they have found the perfect partners.
"I think we know and understand what an important region the North East is in the country and also what a hotbed of talent it's been, but also how incredibly unique and powerful this club is for its community," Cossington said.
"And that's one thing. But the other side of that is actually having a partner with a shared ambition and vision that actually wants to bring back the glory days, let's say, of Sunderland Women. From day one [of talks with Sunderland AFC] it was evident that we're on the same journey and we want the same thing. We want to work together to achieve that and it was a match from day one."
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While Bay Collective have been clear that they will build the club sustainably with steady investment over a number of years, Cossington is clear that the intention is to restore Sunderland Women to their former glory.
"I think this club could be competing with the very best in the world," Cossington said.
"I don't see why not, I think the club has been there previously. This is not something new.
"When I was an international coach, there were many players produced here whether it's Lucy Bronze, Jill Scott, Steph Houghton, Lucy Staniforth, Debbie Stokes, the list is endless. And this club was right at the top of the women's game and was competing for honours on a regular basis. It's time to bring back those days."
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