How is Kang Transforming the WSL Landscape?

Michele Kang, owner of the London City Lionesses, is on a mission to empower young girls in sport, investing in women's football through her multi-club ownership model. With a focus on creating competitive teams and facilities, Kang aims to elevate the profile of women's football and ensure it receives the recognition it deserves.

Last updated: 22 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Michele Kang has made substantial investments in the London City Lionesses, aiming to enhance facilities and attract talent.
• She advocates for a collaborative approach in women's football, sharing resources and research across clubs.
• Kang's philosophy centres around empowering players and staff to succeed by creating the right environment.
• Despite challenges, Kang is optimistic about the future of women's football and its potential for growth.
• London City Lionesses are focused on building a compelling product, not just a team.

Michele Kang's Vision for Women's Football

Michele Kang, a prominent figure in women's football, has been making waves since her acquisition of the London City Lionesses in December 2023. Her approach to ownership focuses on a multi-club model that aims to uplift not only her teams but the entire landscape of women's sport. With a background in business and a passion for empowering women, Kang's influence is reshaping how women's football is perceived and developed.

A Hands-On Approach to Ownership

At the London City Lionesses’ training ground in Kent, Kang is a familiar face, actively participating in the club's daily operations. From hugging her manager, Jocelyn Precheur, during training sessions to personally engaging with players, Kang’s hands-on approach sets her apart from many owners in the sport.

Her belief is that a successful club must invest in both infrastructure and personnel. She states, "My job is to set the vision and create the environment where all elements - in this case players and staff - can really succeed." This philosophy drives her to hire the best staff and provide the resources necessary for success.

The Rise of the London City Lionesses

Under Kang’s leadership, the London City Lionesses have made significant strides, including notable signings from top European clubs. This summer transfer window was particularly active, showcasing Kang’s commitment to building a competitive team capable of thriving in the Women’s Super League (WSL).

Her investment strategy reflects a keen understanding of the challenges faced by women's football, including the need for improved facilities and resources. “We don't have the huge media deal that the men have... But we still want to advance women's football by investing in it,” Kang explains, highlighting the financial disparities that exist.

Building a Collaborative Future

Kang advocates for a collaborative approach within women's football, suggesting that sharing resources and research could enhance the overall quality of the sport. She believes that pooling research and scouting efforts across clubs could lead to better player development and increased visibility for the women's game.

While acknowledging the negative connotations associated with multi-club ownership in men's football, Kang insists her model is designed for mutual benefit rather than exploitation. “It is not about building a feeder system - that is not the purpose,” she asserts. Instead, her focus is on creating a sustainable and competitive environment for all her clubs.

The Importance of Community and Fan Engagement

Kang understands that to attract fans, the product on the pitch must be compelling. She highlights the need to engage the community and create an enjoyable experience for spectators, stating, "Women's football is not just the 90-minute game; it is what happens before, during the game, the 15-minute break and then after the game." This holistic view of fan engagement is crucial to her strategy.

With plans to increase stadium capacity and enhance fan experience, Kang is committed to ensuring that the London City Lionesses become a beloved fixture in their community. She believes that genuine interest in women's football can drive attendance and support, independent of any men's team affiliation.

Investment in Player Development

As part of her vision, Kang is also focused on player development and compensation. She has introduced minimum salaries in the WSL, recognising that players deserve fair wages for their contributions to the sport. While she refrains from disclosing specific figures, her commitment to paying competitive wages is evident.

Kang's ambition is not only to attract high-profile talent but also to foster an environment where players can thrive. Her long-term goal is to build a world-class training facility specifically for female athletes, further demonstrating her dedication to the sport.

Facing Challenges with Optimism

Despite the challenges that come with being a new owner in a rapidly evolving league, Kang remains optimistic about the future. She acknowledges that establishing the London City Lionesses as a top-tier team will take time, but she is committed to building a solid foundation for long-term success. "We're not taking this as a one-year project. We want to build the right foundations," she asserts.

Kang’s enthusiasm for the sport and dedication to her vision are infectious. She believes that women's football is an untapped market with immense potential. "Women's football is probably the best-kept secret... The difference and the gap between where it was, compared to where it could be, is huge," she says, expressing her excitement for the future.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Young Girls

Ultimately, Michele Kang’s ambition transcends the success of her clubs. She is passionate about enabling young girls to pursue their dreams in sport, advocating for a supportive environment that nurtures talent. Her vision is clear: to transform women's football into a mainstream product that attracts fans and inspires the next generation of athletes.

As the London City Lionesses continue to grow and evolve under her leadership, Kang's commitment to the sport is paving the way for future successes. The journey may be challenging, but with vision and determination, the potential for women's football is limitless. How will you support the growth of women's sports in your community? #WomensFootball #Empowerment #LondonCityLionesses

FAQs

Who is Michele Kang?

Michele Kang is the owner of the London City Lionesses and has a strong background in women's football, also owning clubs like Washington Spirit and Olympique Lyonnais.

What is the goal of the London City Lionesses under Michele Kang?

The goal is to build a competitive team in the Women's Super League while empowering young girls and investing in women's football infrastructure.

How does Michele Kang plan to increase fan engagement?

Kang plans to enhance fan experience by improving facilities, creating engaging events, and ensuring a compelling product on the pitch.

What challenges does women's football face?

Women's football faces challenges like financial disparities compared to men's football, limited media coverage, and the need for increased investment in facilities and player development.

What are Kang's long-term ambitions for the London City Lionesses?

Kang aims to establish the London City Lionesses as a top-tier team in the Women's Super League and to create a world-class training facility for female athletes.