In a groundbreaking move for women’s sports, Michelle Kang, the owner of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club Washington Spirit, has committed $30 million to elevate the standards of women’s soccer in the United States.
This pledge, the largest of its kind in U.S. women’s football, aims to provide substantial support to women’s and girls’ teams over the next five years, marking a significant step toward gender equality in the sport.
Known for her philanthropy in women’s sports, Kang’s latest contribution follows a $4 million donation earlier this year to the U.S. Women’s Rugby Sevens team.
The new initiative is set to reshape the landscape of women’s soccer by enhancing opportunities for female athletes at every level.
“Women’s sports have been undervalued and overlooked for far too long,” Kang shared in an interview with the U.S. Soccer website.
“I am committed to raising the standard of excellence in women’s soccer — both on and off the pitch. My goal is to provide female athletes with the resources they need to unlock their full potential and ensure they have the professional support they deserve.
I hope this investment sparks a movement and inspires other donors to get involved.”
The $30 million will significantly increase the scope of the U.S. Soccer Federation’s programs, including doubling the number of national team camps.
It will also expand development opportunities, providing education and mentorship for an additional 70,000 female coaches and referees, all while fostering the growth of the sport from the grassroots to the professional level.
U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone praised Kang’s transformative donation, stating, “Michele Kang’s gift will forever change the landscape of soccer for women and girls in the United States.
It will provide new opportunities for players, coaches, and referees, ensuring that generations to come will benefit from the resources that were previously out of reach.”
Emma Hayes, the renowned Olympic-winning coach, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the long-term impact of such a donation.
“This kind of gift will alter the trajectory of women’s soccer. We’re at a pivotal moment, and thanks to Michele, we can now support more female players, coaches, and referees, propelling the game forward.”
Kang, whose influence extends beyond the U.S. as the owner of French football powerhouse Olympique Lyon Féminin and Women’s Championship side London City Lionesses, is setting a new standard for investment in women’s sports.
With this landmark donation, she hopes to foster long-lasting change, offering women and girls across the U.S. the chance to thrive in soccer.