F.C. Como Women Welcomes Bristol City Women, the Newest Club to Join the Mercury13 Network

F.C. Como Women proudly announces that Mercury13, the multi-club ownership group entirely dedicated to the growth of women’s football, has reached an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Bristol City Women, one of the most historic and respected clubs in the English game. This marks the group’s second European investment, following its entry into Italian football with the acquisition of F.C. Como Women in 2024.

This latest operation in England represents a key milestone in building an international football ecosystem that combines integrated structures, managerial autonomy, and sustainable growth. Founded and led by Victoire Cogevina Reynal and Mario Malavé, Mercury13 aims to redefine the standards of the women’s game through strategic investment, sporting ambition, and a fan-first approach.

As with Como Women, the vision for Bristol City Women is to develop a competitive model that puts players, staff, local communities, and top-tier infrastructure at the heart of the club’s growth.

A New Chapter for a Historic Club

Stephen Lansdown CBE, co-founder of the financial services firm Hargreaves Lansdown, has been involved with Bristol City for over thirty years, investing significantly in the club’s development. Among the key projects are the £50 million redevelopment of Ashton Gate Stadium and the creation of the Robins High Performance Centre – a shared training ground for both the men’s and women’s first teams.

Bristol City Women, previously known as Bristol Academy WFC, was a founding member of the Women’s Super League in 2011, reached two Women’s FA Cup finals (2011 and 2013), and made a notable UEFA Women’s Champions League appearance, including a historic win over Barcelona in 2014.

Now under Mercury13’s stewardship, the club will continue training at the Robins High Performance Centre and play home matches at Ashton Gate Stadium under a long-term agreement that reflects a commitment to top-tier matchday experiences and deepening ties with the local community.

An Expanding International Network: Statements

Gavin Marshall, Chair of Bristol City Women and CEO of Bristol Sport, who led the acquisition process, said: “This is a pivotal moment in the history of Bristol City Women, and we’re excited for what’s to come. Mercury13 has been an outstanding partner throughout the process, bringing the vision and capability to take the club to the next level, while respecting our identity as a progressive, innovative, and community-driven organisation. I am confident the future of Bristol City Women is in excellent hands.”

As the first club to join the Mercury13 project, F.C. Como Women sees the arrival of Bristol City Women as a further consolidation of the group’s vision: to build a network of interconnected clubs, each with a strong local identity, yet united by a shared strategy based on innovation, development, and the professionalisation of women’s football.

Nicola Verdun, CEO of F.C. Como Women, added: “We are pleased to welcome Bristol City Women into our family. We are preparing to embark on a shared path of growth with the common goal of strengthening women’s football at both national and international levels. Together, we will create meaningful synergies and offer new opportunities for development of our players, both on and off the pitch.”

About F.C. Como Women

F.C. Como Women is one of the few fully professional and independent clubs in Italian women’s football, currently competing in Serie A Women. In March 2024, the entry of Mercury13 – followed by the U.S.-based investment firm Avenue Capital – marked a turning point for the club, ushering in a complete rebranding, the renewal of technical and corporate staff, and the construction of a competitive first-team squad. Under Head Coach Stefano Sottili, the team ended the 2024/25 season with a record 35 points, narrowly missing out on a playoff spot and confirming the solid foundations of the project.

About Mercury13

Mercury13 is a multi-club ownership group that invests exclusively in women’s football, with the aim of building a portfolio of leading European clubs that can become a benchmark in the industry over the coming years. With a unique vision that recognises women’s football as a distinct and valuable experience, the group works to elevate each club through investment in technology, infrastructure, performance, and communications.