Mercury13 Makes Landmark Investment in Spanish Women’s Football with FC Badalona Women Acquisition
Badalona, Spain – In a move signaling a significant shift in the landscape of Spanish women’s football, investment group Mercury13 has reached an agreement to acquire a majority stake in FC Badalona Women. This marks the first time a multi-club ownership platform dedicated exclusively to the women’s game has invested in the Spanish market, promising a new era of growth and professionalism for the club.
The investment, announced on March 10, 2026, represents a strategic step for Mercury13, which aims to build a portfolio of women’s football clubs across Europe’s major leagues. The group intends to bring long-term capital, operational expertise, and commercial scale to FC Badalona Women, fostering a sustainable model for success. This isn’t simply a financial transaction; it’s a commitment to elevating the entire structure of the club and the league.
A New Era for FC Badalona Women
Mercury13’s arrival coincides with a period of significant development for FC Badalona Women. The club is preparing to play its home matches at the Estadi Municipal de Badalona starting with the 2026/27 season, following the completion of renovations to install a natural grass pitch. Club President Josep Bellet stated the stadium will be “in the top four of the Liga F,” demonstrating the ambition fueled by this new partnership.
The investment isn’t solely focused on infrastructure. Mercury13 plans to prioritize the development of the club’s youth academy, recognizing the importance of homegrown talent in building a sustainable and competitive team. This long-term vision aligns with a broader strategy of fostering a strong connection between the club and the local community.
Mercury13’s Expanding Portfolio
Founded to address the historical underinvestment in women’s football, Mercury13 is rapidly establishing itself as a key player in the sport. The acquisition of FC Badalona Women adds to the group’s existing portfolio, which includes FC Como Women of Italy’s Serie A Femenina and Bristol City Women FC of England’s WSL 2. This multi-club model allows for the sharing of best practices, resources, and talent across the network, accelerating the growth of each individual club.
The group received a significant investment from Avenue Sports Fund in 2024, further bolstering its financial capacity to pursue its ambitious goals. This backing underscores the growing recognition of women’s football as a viable and attractive investment opportunity.
Key Personnel Changes and Leadership
Alongside the acquisition, Mercury13 has announced several key leadership changes. Lauren Holiday, President of Mercury13 and a sporting advisor to Avenue Sports, will join the FC Badalona Women’s board of directors. Pedro Iriondo, a former FIFA executive and ex-General Manager of Olympique de Marseille, will assume the role of CEO, bringing a wealth of experience in football administration. Josep Bellet will continue as President of the club, ensuring continuity and local knowledge.
Holiday emphasized that FC Badalona Women is “at a stage of growth in its trajectory,” and Mercury13 is “committed to supporting the club in building this next chapter.” Iriondo added that the priority is to “build solid professional structures around the club, both operationally and culturally, although shaping a clear identity for FC Badalona Women that reflects the spirit of the city and its community.”
Strategic Partnerships and Sponsorships
The arrival of Mercury13 has also attracted new commercial partnerships. Fever, a global live entertainment discovery platform, will become the main shirt sponsor of FC Badalona Women, while Nike will serve as the club’s technical partner. These sponsorships demonstrate the growing commercial appeal of the Liga F and the increased visibility that Mercury13’s investment will bring.
Juan Mata’s Investment and Growing Interest
The growing momentum around Mercury13 is further evidenced by the recent investment from Spanish footballer Juan Mata, who officially joined the group in July 2025. The announcement was made at the Sports Summit Madrid by Mercury13 Co-CEOs and Co-Founders, Victoire Cogevina Reynal and Mario Malavé.
This influx of investment and high-profile figures signals a broader trend of increasing interest in women’s football, both from a financial and sporting perspective. The Spanish Liga F, in particular, is gaining recognition as a leading league in the world, attracting players and investors alike.
What’s Next for FC Badalona Women and Mercury13?
The immediate focus for FC Badalona Women will be on preparing for the 2026/27 season at the renovated Estadi Municipal de Badalona. Mercury13 will work closely with the club’s management to implement its strategic plan, focusing on strengthening the squad, developing the academy, and building a strong brand identity. The long-term goal is to establish FC Badalona Women as a consistent contender in the Liga F and a leading force in Spanish women’s football.
For Mercury13, the acquisition of FC Badalona Women represents a significant milestone in its mission to transform the women’s game. The group will continue to explore opportunities to invest in other clubs across Europe, building a network of successful and sustainable women’s football teams. The future looks bright for both FC Badalona Women and the broader landscape of women’s football in Spain.
Fans can follow FC Badalona Women’s progress on their official website and social media channels for the latest updates and match information. The Liga F schedule and standings can be found on the league’s official website.
