Jennifer Garner appears to be taking advantage of the long Labor Day holiday weekend with some rest and relaxation. On Sunday, she headed over to BMO Stadium in Los Angeles to check out a Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) league matchup between the Chicago Red Stars and Angel City FC. The game has a special significance for Garner, who is part of an investment group that owns the club.
Dressed casually for the outing, the busy mother of three opted for comfort in a white t-shirt, dark sunglasses, and her dark brown locks flowing straight well past her shoulders with a center part. While most people know her as a longtime Hollywood actress and leading lady since the 1990s, she has since branched out to get herself involved in some passionate business ventures, including the sports team.
Once Upon A Farm, a company she helped co-found that offers more nutritious, convenient, and delicious baby food options, is another of the screen star's ventures outside of the Hollywood machine of film and television. Earlier this summer, Garner and her executive team got the idea to do a cross-promotion partnership between her children's nutrition company and the soccer club.
Once Upon A Farm will be a team-level partner starting in 2025, as well as the club’s exclusive partner for healthy kids' snacks, as part of a multi-year partnership. The team is founded by Academy Award-winning actress and activist Natalie Portman, technology venture capitalist Kara Nortman, media and gaming entrepreneur Julie Uhrman, according to the team's website.
Along with Garner, the ACFC ownership group also includes a slew of celebrities and high-profile people such as Jessica Chastain, Eva Longoria, America Ferrera, Lindsey Vonn, Latin pop superstar Becky G, MLS legend Cobi Jones, and USMNT. The list also includes tennis legend Billie Jean King, Ilana Kloss, Uzo Aduba, Lilly Singh, activist Glennon Doyle, current and LA Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and former NFL player Ryan Kalil, and entertainment executive Cindy Holland, and WNBA legend Candace Parker and her daughter Lailaa.
Rounding out the celebrity side of ownership, there are 13 former players from the United States Women's National Team, including Julie Foudy, Mia Hamm, Lauren Cheney Holiday and Abby Wambach. The Angel City FC team is led by two-time Olympic gold medalist Angela Hucles Mangano, who's the team’s General Manager, while Becki Tweed serves as the head coach.
According to Sportico’s latest valuations, the franchise is worth $180 million, the highest in the league. The team’s revenue was $31 million in 2023. On Sunday, Jennifer Garner and the rest of the ownership group and their fans got to watch as their club beat the Red Stars 2-1, raising their record to 6 wins, 3 losses, and 9 draws, placing them 9th in the NWSL.
Angel City FC is the Los Angeles area's first women's professional soccer team since the Los Angeles Sol of Women's Professional Soccer folded in 2010. ACFC plays their home matches at BMO Stadium, which it shares with Los Angeles FC of Major League Soccer (MLS).
Just two days earlier, Garner appeared to be feeling a little nostalgic heading into the extended Labor Day holiday weekend. Instilled as a federal holiday in recognition of the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements in the United States, Labor Day has turned into a day of rest and relaxation for many people, while serving as the unofficial end of summer.
And that's exactly the idea the actress and entrepreneur looks to be getting across with the throwback snap she shared on Instagram showing her napping on her family's couch all snuggled up with her pet cat. 'I'm wishing you a 1970's couch, book and cat kind of long weekend,' Garner, now 52, captioned the post that shows herself at around the age of seven or eight.
Garner's Business Ventures
Jennifer Garner has established herself as a versatile actress and businesswoman. Her entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond acting, as she actively participates in ventures such as Once Upon A Farm, a company dedicated to providing nutritious and delicious baby food options. This venture underscores Garner's commitment to promoting healthy lifestyle choices for children. Her involvement in the Angel City FC is another testament to her diverse interests and her desire to contribute to various fields.
Angel City FC's Ownership Group
The Angel City FC boasts a unique ownership group that extends beyond traditional sports investors. The group comprises a diverse array of personalities, including Hollywood actors, actresses, athletes, and entrepreneurs. The presence of these influential figures reflects a growing trend of celebrity involvement in professional sports, bringing visibility and excitement to the sport.
A Match Made in Soccer Heaven
Garner's presence at the Angel City FC game highlights the increasing popularity of women's professional soccer. This game, however, held a special significance for Garner as it provided an opportunity to witness her own investment's progress on the field. The game also marked another chapter in Garner's journey as a businesswoman, showcasing her commitment to both entertainment and the world of sports.
Long Weekend, Long-Lasting Memories
Garner's Labor Day weekend was a mix of relaxation and excitement. Her Instagram post, showcasing a nostalgic throwback photo of herself on a 1970s couch with her cat, paints a picture of a cherished childhood memory. The post reflects Garner's ability to appreciate the simple joys of life, even amidst a busy schedule. Her presence at the soccer game further highlights her passion for both sports and her entrepreneurial ventures. As Garner enjoys her long weekend, fans can only speculate about what other exciting projects she might have in store for the future.
