Star Metro - Ionescu invests in NWSL's Bay FC

Ionescu, who has a range of high-profile endorsement deals with Nike, Body Armour and AT&T among others, will also serve as a commercial advisor to the club and it's players.

The 27-year-old won the WNBA title last season with New York Liberty and an Olympic gold medal with the USA team at the Paris Olympics.

The California-born Ionescu grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and said she expects the team to grow in popularity as women's club soccer expands.

"I have full faith in the Club's vision and its  potential to make a profound impact within and beyond  women's soccer," she said in a statement.

"The Bay FC team and I look forward to driving  branding partnerships for the Bay FC athletes and contributing to the overall success of the Club. 

"As someone with deep ties to the Bay Area, this opportunity holds even more significance, and I am truly honoured to be a part of such a special endeavour to continue to grow women's sports," she added.

Bay FC chief executive Brady Stewart said that Ionescu's involvement would help the team continue to grow it's influence.

"Adding her passion and vision to what we are building at Bay FC will allow us to further disrupt the sports landscape," she said.

"Her roots in the Bay Area and commitment to being a catalyst for positive change in women's sports represents who we are at Bay FC.  We look forward to partnering with her to continue reaching our goal of being a top global sports franchise," she added.

The new NWSL season starts on March 14.

T.Murray--SMC