• Loading stock data...
Sunday, June 1, 2025

Washington Spirit Owner Buys Lyon, Plans Global Women’s Soccer Empire

  • OL Groupe has sold a majority stake in French club Olympique Lyonnais Féminin to Michele Kang.
  • Kang plans to buy additional women’s soccer clubs across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
Michele Kang plans to continue buying women's soccer clubs.
Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang has purchased a majority stake in French soccer club Olympique Lyonnais Féminin from OL Groupe to create a new women-owned soccer entity that plans to acquire additional clubs across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. 

Kang, who bought the NWSL’s Spirit in 2020, will be CEO of the yet-to-be-named new company, which is now the first women-owned organization to own multiple soccer clubs. She will also be joining OL Groupe’s board of directors.

“The combination represents hope, determination, and the necessary business steps towards shaping the future of women’s football,” Kang said in a statement. “This deal represents a major step forward in the history of women’s professional football.”

OL Groupe will retain a 48% stake in Lyon, while Kang is getting 52% as part of the all-stock deal, according to The Washington Post. Lyon has won eight women’s Champions League titles and has been reportedly valued at $54.4 million. 

OL Groupe has put its Seattle-based NWSL club OL Reign, up for sale, as offloading the Reign would avoid any potential conflict with Kang’s ownership of the Spirit and Lyon.

Kang’s vision for her global soccer network comes as the USL Super League, a potential NWSL competitor, plans to launch next year with women’s teams in eight U.S. cities.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

WNBA Championship Ring Boom: ‘Way Bigger. Way More Diamonds’

The Liberty’s WNBA championship ring value soared to $60,000.

PSG and the City of Paris Can Join European Soccer’s Elite

What a maiden Champions League title would mean for the French club.
Rangers Football Club

49ers Venture Arm Buys 2nd Soccer Team With Rangers FC Deal

49ers Enterprises also owns Premier League club Leeds United.

Featured Today

How the Champions League Anthem Took on a Life of Its Own

The composer didn’t know he wrote a timeless hit three decades ago.
May 25, 2025

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Mar 23, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) reacts after winning a point against Madison Keys (USA)(not pictured) on day six of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
May 24, 2025

Alex Eala Is Defying Her Country’s Odds to Make French Open History

The Philippines native has overcome a unique set of financial odds.
May 24, 2025

Indiana Is the Center of the Basketball Universe—Thanks to Both Pro Teams

The Fever and Pacers are thriving at the same time.
breaking

Pacers-Thunder Is Lowest-Payroll NBA Finals in Years

Neither team is in the luxury tax, despite rosters with multiple All-Stars.
Ovi
May 29, 2025

Capitals Say Ovechkin Retirement Email Was Sent in Error

Ovechkin is the NHL’s all-time scoring leader and has one Stanley Cup. 
May 30, 2025

Steve Cohen Taps USTA’s Lew Sherr to Reshape Mets Off Field

The MLB club hires a top executive from the U.S. Tennis Association.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In Episode 7 of Portfolio Players, go inside the boardroom with Avenue Capital CEO and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry on Giannis’s future, women’s sports, and upstart leagues like TGL and Unrivaled. 
May 29, 2025

T-Wolves Face Roster-Building Questions After Another WCF Loss

The team has ownership stability entering this offseason.
SGA
May 29, 2025

Thunder Poised to Dominate for Years After Winning West

OKC has the NBA’s best shot at a dynasty with the new CBA.
May 28, 2025

Mets Casino Project Moves Forward As Cohen Shakes Up Front Office

Scott Havens will depart as team president of business operations.
May 28, 2025

Terry Bradshaw Calls Steelers Pursuit of Aaron Rodgers ‘a Joke’

The Pro Football Hall of Famer lambastes the courtship of the mercurial star.