Tennis icon Martina Navratilova joins Carolina Ascent as minority owner
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- Martina Navratilova joins Carolina Ascent FC as a minority team owner in 2025.
- Carolina Ascent completed its debut season with top honors in a new women's league.
- The ownership team includes major investors and the women-led Empower HER Fund.
Legendary tennis star Martina Navratilova is now part of the Carolina Ascent FC ownership team, the club announced Friday.
Navratilova joins as a minority owner of the Charlotte-based women’s professional soccer franchise after its award-winning inaugural season in the Gainbridge Super League. The Ascent capped its debut campaign with the league’s Players Shield as the top regular-season team, led attendance in its first year, and won multiple league honors with their players and head coach.
“Carolina Ascent’s mission to become one of the top women’s clubs in the world resonated with me immediately,” said Navratilova, winner of 59 Grand Slam titles including a record nine Wimbledon singles championships. “This team and its leadership are determined to compete at the highest level.”
The ownership group includes majority owner Dan DiMicco, Jim and Kelly McPhilliamy, and the Empower HER Fund, a women-led investment team. Club officials praised Navratilova’s legacy and influence, citing her drive as a match for Ascent’s ambitions.
“Martina Navratilova is widely regarded as one of the greatest female tennis players in history, revolutionizing the sport with her powerful serve and aggressive playing style,” DiMicco said in a statement. “That description fits well with our team’s approach to soccer.”
Carolina Ascent opens its second season at home Sept. 6 at American Legion Memorial Stadium.
