Sunderland have sold their women's team to an outside company - and will only retain a minority stake in the club.

The shock moves sees the Black Cats partner up with Bay Collective, a multi-club ownership platform dedicated to building women’s football clubs.

A club statement said: "The agreement forms part of Sunderland AFC’s global investment plan and will also result in the development of critical infrastructure, including the Academy of Light, to further strengthen the world-class environment supporting all women’s, men’s, and Academy teams.

"Sunderland AFC will retain a minority stake, ensuring continuity with the club’s identity, values, and intellectual property. Sunderland AFC Women will continue to be operated in partnership with Sunderland AFC, with a full focus on completing the current season as strongly as possible. Completion of the transaction is subject to certain footballing authority approvals."

Bay Collective is led by Kay Cossington, former...