Tennis Great Martina Navratilova Becomes Part Owner of Carolina Ascent FC

Tennis icon Martina Navratilova has invested in Charlotte's Carolina Ascent FC. The deal, made public Friday, puts the winner of 59 Grand Slam titles alongside main owner Dan DiMicco and other backers, including Jim and Kelly McPhilliamy and the Empower HER Fund group.

"Carolina Ascent's mission to become one of the top women's clubs in the world resonated with me immediately," Navratilova said in a statement per The Charlotte Observer. "This team and its leadership are determined to compete at the highest level. I'm excited for the opportunity to become a part of it."

Fresh off a stunning debut year, the soccer club topped the Gainbridge Super League standings. Their success brought two major prizes: the Players Shield and the 2024/25 Organization of the Year title.

DiMicco spoke about the new addition. "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. "That description fits well with our team's approach to soccer. We are honored to welcome Martina to the Carolina Ascent family."

On court, she set records that still stand. Through the 1980s and into the 1990s, she won nine singles titles at Wimbledon: more than any other player. Her final singles win at the famed grass courts came in 1990.

Fans packed the stadium all season long. The club sees Navratilova's fierce drive as a perfect match for their push to reach the peak of women's pro soccer.

The team starts its next chapter on Sept. 6. They'll play at American Legion Memorial Stadium: their first match with the tennis star as part owner.