After a tumultuous year, the Washington Spirit may be on the verge of having new ownership.

The National Women’s Soccer League announced on Tuesday that a group formed by billionaire Todd Boehly and retail executive Jennifer Tepper Mackesy has entered into “exclusive negotiations” to buy a controlling interest in the championship-winning soccer team.

Boehly and Mackesy are both William & Mary graduates with extensive sports experiences. Mackesy was a college soccer player and sits on the board of U.S. Squash, while Boehly is an owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Lakers, and Sparks.

“We are dedicated to building a strong and sustainable future for the club and recognize the importance of consistent engagement and support for the players, staff and fans on and off the field,” Boehly and Mackesy said in a statement.

The proposed ownership group also includes Kendrick Ashton and Craig Dixon, the CEOs of D.C.-based sports complex The St. James, and businessman Jonathan Goldstein.

The Spirit was roiled by allegations of harassment and a toxic workplace culture that ultimately led to the firing of the team’s head coach, Richie Burke, in September. Steve Baldwin, the team’s controlling owner since 2019, resigned a week later as CEO and managing partner of the team.

In mid-October, he announced he would be selling his stake. Players immediately began calling on Baldwin to sell the team to co-owner Y. Michele Kang.

Meanwhile, Kang has increased her offer for the controlling stake from $25 million to $35 million dollars, according to the Sports Business Journal, citing a letter she sent to the board of governors on Tuesday.

“I have been frustrated at times with the sale process of the Washington Spirit, and to avoid any miscommunication or misinterpretation I wanted to communicate directly to you, the Board,” Kang wrote, adding “I believe this is the highest offer, and is well above market.”

Previously:
Washington Spirit Win First NWSL Championship
After Revelations Of Toxic Workplace Culture, Steve Baldwin Resigns As Washington Spirit CEO
Washington Spirit Coach Richie Burke Fired Following Harassment Investigation