The first multi-club network in the women’s game has been created thanks to business woman, Michele Kang. With ownership of the NWSL’s Washington Spirit, French champions Olympique Lyonnais Féminin and Championship side London City Lionesses, she has a strong influence on the women’s game. Pushing for more investment in the sport, specifically to improve training and matchday facilities, Kang will not stop in her fight to make women’s sports commercially viable and accepted by society.
Early Life
Kang was born and raised in South Korea but moved to the United States as a student. There she was awarded a bachelor’s degree in economics, and a master’s in public and private management. From a young age she had a clear business attitude that challenged the status quo, but also wished to help others achieve big.
During her youth, there were limited opportunities for women to play football. Becoming a footballer was not even a possibility for her, despite having an interest in playing football as a child. However, after her move to the States, her passion for the sport was reignited. Meeting the USA Women’s National Team in 2019, the World Champions of the time, inspired Kang to discover women’s football in the USA. In fact, she admits that she ‘had no idea about a professional league’ in the States until she was invited to a post-World Cup reception in 2019. She was almost fated to reconnect with the sport following this occasion.
Before her move to the States, Kang had a successful career in the healthcare technology sector. She found Cognosante, which aimed to revolutionise the healthcare system in the country. Her drive and business perspectives were carried through to her involvement with women’s football, especially through her desire to create change, improve conditions and increase the opportunities available for women.
Her Success
In 2020, Kang became the majority owner of Washington Spirit. Being a successful team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), it was no easy campaign to become a shareholder in this club; there were many obstacles in her way. Following several allegations of abuse within the current ownership of Washington Spirit, the players backed Kang to take over as the new investor of their club. With a huge passion for women’s football, she was an easy choice.
Shortly after this investment, Kang became the first female to create a multi-club organisation in the women’s game by acquiring a stake in Olympique Lyonnais Féminin. With a 52% share in the most successful team in women’s football history, Kang made her mark on the world stage. Despite Lyon’s success, determined by countless silverware, Kang recognised the narrowing gap between French football and other sporting countries; she wanted to ‘professionalise’ the team and prevent this gap from closing.
Recently, the South Korean businesswoman added to her profile by investing in London city Lionesses. This is the only fully independent women’s football club in both the Barclay’s Women’s Super League (WSL) and the Women’s Championship. Although this season London City Lionesses only secured an eighth-place finish, Kang sees potential in the team. Working alongside the players and management staff, she aims to put them back on the map and improve the infrastructure through her private investment.
The Future
With the ultimate goal of building a women’s campus for Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, there is still a long way to go for Kang with her French stakes. In the future, she desires a state-of-the-art training centre with facilities of a high standard, and a women’s stadium that accommodates the growing number of fans. In her eyes, the foundations for the club need to be set to a higher standard, especially due to their global success. Until the infrastructure is at the level the players deserve, Kang will continue to use her shares to initiate a better framework at Lyon.
Although Kang already has ownership of three renowned football clubs, it is possible she has her eye on other locations. Constantly trying to advocate her push towards an equal and accepting environment in the women’s game, there is no doubt that the sport will see positive improvements over the coming years.
As a powerful figure in the female game, Kang is the perfect role model and inspiration to the younger generations. It is more important now than ever that positive developments occur within women’s sports. Her determination and influence make her a driving force in the constant campaigning for better facilities and recognition of women’s football, and it appears the South Korean businesswoman is only just getting started with her ambitions.
By Charlotte Davey
@charfootie
Comments