Multi-club ownership organisation Bay Collective has reached an agreement to aquire a majority stake in Sunderland Women.

Already the majority owners of American club Bay FC, the organisation is led by former Football Association director Kay Cossington.

Investment will go into improving infrastructure, the academy and building the staff and player pool at Sunderland with a “goal of growing sustainability”.

Sunderland currently sit eighth in the Women’s Super League 2 with two games remaining in the season.

They have a history of producing some of England’s most successful footballers, including ex-captain Steph Houghton and European champions Jill Scott, Beth Mead and Lucy Bronze.

“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Sunderland AFC and to write the next chapter for Sunderland Women, a club with such a proud history and strong identity,” said Cossington.

“We are committed to honoring Sunderland Women’s DNA and legacy, protecting what makes this club and community so special, and supporting the players, staff, and the academy with cutting-edge resources, infrastructure, and training models tailored to the unique needs of women athletes.

“This is a partnership for the long-term, and our ambition is to strengthen Sunderland Women’s connection with fans and partners while creating a platform for sustained success at the highest levels of the women’s game.”