Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has acted as legal advisor to Bristol City Football Club in relation to a historic transaction involving the transfer of a majority shareholding in Bristol City Women’s Football Club to Mercury13, an international multi-club ownership consortium dedicated to the growth and professionalisation of women’s football.

The transaction, which marks the first deal of its kind in the English game, remains subject to regulatory approval from the Women’s Super League (WSL).

Significance of the Deal for Women’s Football

This transaction represents a pivotal moment for women’s football in England. For over a decade, the Lansdown family has invested in and supported the women’s side of Bristol City. With this agreement, stewardship passes to Mercury13, while the Lansdown family will retain a minority equity interest, ensuring continuity of involvement and legacy.

Bristol City Women currently compete in Barclays Women’s Super League 2, and the deal reflects the increasing commercial interest and investment momentum driving the women’s game on a global scale.

Pinsent Masons’ Role and Expertise

The Pinsent Masons legal team was led by Chris Watts and Emily Steed, with strategic oversight from client partner Trevor Watkins, Head of the firm’s Global Sports Advisory Group.

Commenting on the significance of the agreement, Watkins noted:

“The surge of investment into women’s football is a global phenomenon. We are seeing unprecedented levels of interest from investors of diverse backgrounds, underlining the strength of the sector. This landmark transaction sets a new benchmark for women’s professional football in England, and we are proud to have supported Bristol City FC through the process.”

Track Record in Sports Transactions

Pinsent Masons maintains a market-leading position in sports law and advisory services, with deep expertise in corporate transactions, financing structures, and regulatory compliance within the global sports industry.

Recent football-sector highlights include:

• Advising the Ricketts family, owners of the Chicago Cubs, on their consortium bid for Chelsea FC.

• Representing Everton Football Club in the sale of its controlling interest to The Friedkin Group, a US-based investor.

• Supporting West Bromwich Albion FC in its takeover by entrepreneur Shilen Patel, transitioning ownership from Guochuan Lai.

This deal further strengthens the firm’s reputation as a trusted advisor to stakeholders across the football ecosystem, from club ownership groups and governing bodies to investors and strategic partners.

About Pinsent Masons

As a purpose-led multinational law firm, Pinsent Masons goes beyond delivering legal services. The firm is committed to helping clients navigate complex transformations across industries by combining legal expertise with commercial insight, technological innovation, and multidisciplinary advisory services.

With a global footprint and extensive sector knowledge across industries including sports, infrastructure, financial services, energy, life sciences, and real estate, the firm continues to be recognised as a leader in legal innovation and client service delivery.