North Carolina Courage take minority investment from Marc Lasry’s Avenue Sports Fund
North Carolina Courage have taken a minority investment from Marc Lasry-led Avenue Sports Fund, adding institutional backing as the NWSL club targets continued on and off-pitch growth.
North Carolina Courage have received a minority investment from Avenue Sports Fund, bringing a new strategic backer into one of the NWSL’s most established franchises.Financial terms were not disclosed, with the club and investor positioning the deal around long-term growth across football operations, commercial development and community engagement in the Triangle.Steve Malik, owner and chairman of North Carolina Courage, said: “This partnership is built on shared values and a commitment to women’s sports. We're committed to building a beacon for this community that will last for generations.”Malik said: “The Triangle has grown into one of the most dynamic regions in the country, and the Courage have grown right alongside it. This investment is a reflection of how far we've come and a sign of what's still ahead.”Whitecap, the sports-focused investment bank and advisor, facilitated the alignment between the parties.Avenue Sports Fund is part of Avenue Capital Group and has built a portfolio across multiple major sports properties, with the Courage described as one of its most significant commitments in women’s football to date.Marc Lasry, CEO of Avenue Capital Group, said: “The North Carolina Courage are exactly what we look for: a storied club, a passionate and growing fan base, and a market with extraordinary potential. We're proud to stand alongside this organization and to be a part of the long-term vision that Steve and the entire Courage family are building.”Lauren Holiday, a former NWSL player and advisor to Avenue Sports Fund who is also an investor in the Courage, linked the investment to player support beyond technical development.Holiday said: “The investment by Avenue is significant particularly for player development which is not just technical training but leadership growth, mental health support and giving players the tools to sustain long careers.”The club also highlighted the involvement of Naomi Osaka as an investor, with Osaka tying her support to the local momentum around women’s sport.Osaka said: “What's happening in the Triangle right now feels genuine. The growth, the energy, the way fans and the community show up for this club is special.“I didn't invest in the Courage because of what they've already accomplished. I did it because I believe in their future in Triangle… And honestly, it feels like we're just getting started. I want to help inspire the next generation of female athletes.”The Courage said they entered their 10th NWSL season in 2026 as the league’s most decorated club by trophies, while also pointing to crowd momentum in 2025, when they reported a 21% increase in attendance.Club president Francie Gottsegen said: “This investment goes directly into the soccer product, roster, staff, and framework that puts a championship-caliber team on the field every season.”The next steps are how the Courage translate the new backing into delivery across football operations and fan growth, with the club set to continue its 2026 season schedule at WakeMed Soccer Park.