Birmingham City: women’s team (Barclays WSL 2) restructured under dedicated entity backed by Knighthead

Shelby Companies Limited, the UK subsidiary of US private equity firm Knighthead Capital Management LLC and majority shareholder of Birmingham City FC (Sky Bet Championship) since 07/11/2025, has completed the acquisition and restructuring of Birmingham City Women Football Club Limited into a dedicated legal entity, announced the club on 17/02/2026.

Under the terms of the transaction, Shelby Companies Limited holds 97% of Birmingham City Women Football Club Limited, while the remaining 3% has been acquired by several independent investors.

Among those investors are former England international Karen Carney and former world number one tennis player Kim Clijsters (BEL), alongside other prominent female business leaders and global sporting figures.

"The acquisition will elevate the focus on the women’s team and help it to deliver on the stated ambition for the club to compete at the highest levels in the women’s game. It also reflects Knighthead’s commitment to women’s sport in the city of Birmingham. The club’s leadership team will continue to manage the day-to-day operations, with no…