LIVERPOOL, England — Everton have transferred ownership of their historic Goodison Park ground to their women’s team. This strategic move, announced in May, is designed to attract external investment as interest in women’s football surges, particularly in the United States.
The club’s owner, Dan Friedkin, controls the company that now owns Everton Women Football Club Limited, a deal that also encompasses Goodison Park. Roundhouse Capital, Friedkin’s investment vehicle, acquired Everton last December. While Everton declined to comment, sources indicate the women’s club will now hold the deeds to the 133-year-old stadium.
Goodison Park’s New Era
Everton’s iconic Goodison Park now belongs to the club’s women’s team, a bid to boost investment and capitalize on growing global interest in the sport.
- Ownership of Goodison Park transferred to Everton Women.
- The move aims to attract external investment for the women’s team.
- Everton Women will play home games at Goodison Park next season.
- The club is undergoing conversion for Women’s Super League standards.
What is the significance of the Goodison Park ownership transfer? The transfer of ownership is a pivotal step for Everton Women, aimed at enhancing their appeal to potential investors and reflecting the increasing value and visibility of women’s football.
Everton Women are set to play their home games at Goodison Park in the upcoming season, a significant development following the men’s team’s move to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium. The stadium, a venerable 133-year-old venue, is undergoing a conversion to meet Women’s Super League standards. This transition includes refurbishing the lower tiers of the Park End, Gwladys Street, and Main Stand. The upper tiers, however, will not be utilized, with the initial capacity expected to be around 20,000, expandable based on demand.
This ownership shift places Goodison Park under the umbrella of Everton Women Football Club Limited, while the Hill Dickinson Stadium will remain with Everton Football Club. Roundhouse Capital intends to retain a majority investment, offering only a minority stake to outside investors. This strategy mirrors successful ventures in women’s football, such as Chelsea’s sale of an 8% stake in their women’s team to Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, which valued the club at £240 million. However, Everton Women’s current market valuation, even with the inclusion of Goodison Park, does not approach that figure.
Goodison Park’s location within a conservation area has influenced its redevelopment plans, which have secured pre-planning approval. These plans include provisions for affordable housing, a sports center, and community buildings, all to be managed by the Goodison Legacy Project.
The new season for Everton Women kicks off with a Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Anfield on September 7.
