June 18 (Reuters) - ⁠Investment group Bay Collective has ⁠completed the acquisition of a ‌majority stake in Sunderland Women, the English WSL 2 club said on ​Thursday.

The Bay Collective also ⁠operates the San ⁠Francisco-based Bay FC in the American ⁠top-flight ‌National Women's Soccer League.

"Together, Bay Collective and ⁠Sunderland AFC Women will focus on ​strengthening ‌player development, enhancing the matchday ⁠experience ​for fans, and investing in critical infrastructure, including the Academy of ⁠Light," Sunderland said in ​a statement.

Sunderland will retain a minority stake to ensure their identity ⁠remains with the team.

"This is a significant and exciting step... Bay Collective brings world-class expertise ​and a genuine ⁠belief in what this club ​can become," said Sunderland ‌CEO Tom Burwell.

(Reporting ​by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; Editing by Toby Chopra)