Hedge Fund-Backed Birmingham City Sells Women’s Team to Itself

Players of Birmingham City applaud after the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 match between Birmingham City and Crystal Palace at St Andrew’s at Knighthead Park in Birmingham, UK, on Feb. 16.Photographer: Leila Coker/WSL/Getty Images

Provide news feedback or report an error

February 17, 2026 at 3:00 PM UTC

In a move that is both increasingly popular and controversial, Birmingham City FC has joined the growing list of clubs to sell its women’s team to the club itself and a small group of outside investors.

Shelby Companies Limited will acquire a 97% ownership stake in Birmingham City WFC, a second-tier club. The remaining 3% will be held by an investor group that includes former Birmingham City and England player Karen Carney, according to a statement on the club’s website. Birmingham City is owned by New York-based investment firm Knighthead Capital Management.