Sixth Street has invested into the NWSL club Bay FC and FC Barcelona. They will replicate the type of multi-club ownership (MCO) model adopted by the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea. The difference with Sixth Street: Their primary focus is the women’s game. Most MCOs with equity in women’s football prioritise men’s teams.
So who are Sixth Street Partners?
In April 2023, the US-based firm was formally awarded one of two planned NWSL expansion teams. Bay FC competed in the NWSL in 2024, finishing seventh of 14 teams.
Prior to founding Bay FC, they had invested in FC Barcelona, acquiring 25% of the Spanish giants’ media rights for 25 years. The Catalan club boast arguably the best women’s team in the world, recently topping the Deloitte Money League. However, their investment was not exclusive to the women’s side.
Sixth Street have also invested heavily in Spotify, Barcelona’s shirt sponsor.
Sixth Street: GAME-CHANGING INVESTMENTS IN Bay FC, FC Barcelona, San Antonio Spurs, Airbnb, Credit Suisse AND Spotify
Other sports holdings include a stake in NBA side San Antonio Spurs. Investments outside of sport include Airbnb and Credit Suisse. Sixth Street also invested into a group of sport-themed hospitality venues and real estate.
Sixth Street has taken significant steps to position itself as a driving force in the development of women’s football on a global scale. Now, they look intent on more.
Its ground-breaking move to form Bay FC represented the largest institutional commitment to a women’s professional sports franchise in history. Thus, Sixth Street were setting a new precedent for the financial potential of women’s sports. This brought top-tier women’s football to one of the most vibrant regions in the U.S. But more importantly, it also highlighted Sixth Street’s belief in the untapped potential of the women’s game.
Kay Cossington appointed as Head of Global Women’s Football
Building on the momentum of Bay FC’s league performance, Sixth Street announced the launch of the Bay Collective in January 2025. This MCO is designed to elevate women’s football on a global scale by investing in elite women’s football teams worldwide. The initiative is led by Kay Cossington, MBE, the former women’s technical director for the English Football Association. Her appointment as Head of Global Women’s Football and CEO of the Bay Collective underscores Sixth Street’s commitment to bringing experienced leadership to the forefront of their efforts.
The Bay Collective aims to address key challenges in women’s football. This includes the need for world-class facilities, cutting-edge performance analytics, and professional development opportunities. By focusing on these critical areas, Sixth Street is not just investing in teams. They are also laying the groundwork for a sustainable and equitable future for the sport.
sixth street’s Investments: not just financial commitments
Sixth Street’s investments are more than financial commitments. They may represent a paradigm shift in how women’s football is perceived and valued. By creating a robust infrastructure and prioritising athlete development, the firm aims to empower players to reach their full potential. The Bay Collective’s vision includes integrating global best practices in coaching, performance analysis, and athlete well-being, creating a model that other organisations can emulate.
In addition to the tangible benefits for players, Sixth Street’s involvement is a testament to the growing commercial appeal of women’s football . With increasing viewership, sponsorships, and fan engagement, women’s football is poised to become a significant force in the sports industry. Sixth Street’s investments are helping to unlock this potential. In 2025, women’s football is not just a passion project but also a viable business opportunity.
Sixth Street’s innovative approach to investing in women’s football is setting the stage for a brighter future for the sport. By supporting initiatives like the Bay Collective, the firm is not only driving the growth of the women’s game. It’s also demonstrating the transformative power of strategic investment in levelling the playing field.
