Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang, OL Groupe and Eagle Football Holdings announced an agreement Tuesday to form a global women’s football organization, which will include both the Spirit and Olympique Lyonnais Féminin. Here’s what you need to know:
- Kang will be the majority owner of the new entity and will also serve as its CEO. Under Kang’s leadership, the group intends to expand to include multiple women’s football clubs across the world.
- This move is only the latest in Kang’s efforts to grow her investment in the women’s game, following her $35 million takeover of the Spirit last year.
- OL Groupe, who also oversees the men’s side at Lyon, will combine OL Féminin with Kang’s majority stake in the Spirit to form the new organization.
What they’re saying
The announcement follows U.S. businessman John Textor’s takeover of Olympique Lyonnais in December, adding OL Groupe to his football investments under his holding company Eagle Football. Textor also owns a stake in Crystal Palace, along with other European men’s clubs. Last month, OL Groupe confirmed their intention to sell their NWSL franchise, OL Reign, and have already received interest.
While Kang intends to acquire more women’s football clubs as part of the overall organization — she’s…
