Michele Kang will be the majority shareholder and the president of a structure that will include the women’s OL and the Washington Spirit.
Change at OL Women. The Rhone club pes under the thumb of the American Michele Kang, who until now directed the Washington Spirit. In fact, the two clubs will now be linked in a single structure, with Michele Kang at the helm. At least, this will be the case when the various authorities concerned have validated the deal, in the United States and in France. “The closing is expected to take place at the end of June 2023“, we specify, not failing to add that “each club will retain its own established identity, respecting its heritage and community of supporters“. This operation will result in the sale of OL Reign, an NWSL club owned by OL Groupe.
“This alliance represents hope and determination, while showing what business model to follow to shape the future of women’s football“, declares Michele Kang in a press release published this Tuesday evening, the latter also considering that “this agreement represents a major step forward in the history of women’s professional football“. And to add:The complete alignment on this vision between the OL Groupe board of directors and the main players, including Jean-Michel Aulas, John Textor and myself, is particularly strong. It’s a great honor for me to take charge of OL Women and lead this unprecedented project.»
Ideal vehicle
Chairman and CEO of OL Groupe, US businessman John Textor believes that “the OL women’s team has a unique opportunity in this growing market to build the global brand of Olympique Lyonnais, for the benefit of OL Groupe and for our remarkable athletes. Today’s agreement with Michele Kang creates the perfect vehicle to achieve this goal and secure an exciting future for OL Women“.
A future that must go through an expansion strategy for what is “the first multi-club women’s football organization owned and managed by a woman“. The stated objective is indeed “acquire additional clubs in other countries in Europe, America and Asia“. It should be noted that Michele Kang, owner of the Spirit since 2022 and minority shareholder of Eagle Football Holdings since 2023, has joined the Board of Directors of OL Groupe.