Birmingham City have completed a major takeover of their women's team, with England legend Karen Carney and tennis great Kim Clijsters among the new investors. Shelby Companies Limited, a subsidiary of Knighthead Capital Management, acquired a 97% stake in the women's side, while the remaining 3% went to prominent female business leaders and sporting icons.

Knighthead Capital Management, co-founded by Blues chairman Tom Wagner, already owns the Championship club after increasing their controlling share to a full takeover last November. The investment firm purchased Birmingham City in July 2023. The club stated the deal will "elevate the focus on the women's team" and help them compete at the highest levels of women's football.

Birmingham City chief executive Jeremy Dale called this "a pivotal moment" in the club's history, highlighting their strong heritage including the 2012 FA Cup victory. The Blues currently sit in the second automatic promotion place in Women's Super League 2, aiming to return to the top flight for the first time since relegation in 2021-22. The takeover brings high-profile investors who understand elite competition, potentially accelerating the club's ambitions.