As of November 20, 2024, business woman and philanthropist Michele Kang made a historic and generous donation to women’s soccer. As the owner of the professional soccer team Washington Spirit, Kang has pledged $30 million in support of girls and women’s US soccer programs.
Kang was born and raised in South Korea. She came to the United States as a student to pursue the American dream. Her career has developed through building businesses, and leveraging her own success. Kang is the founder and CEO of Kynisca, the first multi-team global organization dedicated to women’s soccer. She owns not only Washington Spirit, but also Olympique Lyonnais Feminin, and London City Lionesses. On July 27, 2024, Kang announced and launched her London-based company, Kynisca Sports International. This company would serve as an umbrella group, by bringing unprecedented investment to the sport, and for her multi-team sports ownership and sports science efforts.
Kang also announced the launch of $50 million in seed. Seed is money that is distributed by an investor to initiate a project. Furthermore on July 30, 2024, she announced another donation of $4 million that will be spanning over four years, to the seven USA Women’s Rugby teams.
Michele Kang has received many honors awards. Her most recent achievement she received was the 2023 Sports Business Journal Deal of the Year. As a philanthropist, Kang created the Cognosante Foundation and is an active supporter of the Kennedy Center, which sponsored her team Washington Spirit in 2022. Kang has served on the boards of the American Red Cross, Washington National Opera, Palm Beach Symphony, and Northern Virginia Tech. Council. In addition, she played her part as co-chair in the American Enterprise Institute National Council.
Kangs donation follows the recent swell of popularity that women’s soccer has witnessed with a great rise in global participation and popularity over the past few decades. The growth is reflected by the increasing number of registered players, fans attendance during matches, and the media’s coverage and attention around the sport. Europe stands out as a leader in the development and popularity of women’s soccer. Some of the nations countries such as England, with its Women’s Super League (WSL), and Germany, stand out and both are supporting a strong domestic league. The two countries have seen significant growth, both in terms of participation and professionalization. When it comes to professionalization and league development, the growth of women’s soccer has seen a shift towards professionalization. With the establishment of leagues, platforms are now being provided for the teams female players to compete at the highest level.
The creation of these leagues are crucial for the development of the sport. The leagues not only offer opportunities for players and their skills, but they also serve to increase the visibility and popularity of women’s soccer. Some challenges in the evolution growth of leagues include funding, infrastructure, and player development.
Kang’s donation towards women’s soccer, will significantly scale more competitive opportunities for youth players. The donation will also be able to expand and improve talent identification, and fuel professional development for the female players, coaches, and referees. In an article by NBC journalist, Kimmy Yam, Kang stated that she hopes the donation prompts other donors to invest in women’s sports.
“Women’s sports have been undervalued and overlooked for far too long,” says business woman and philanthropist Michele Kang (NBC quote).
Only time will tell if this powerful statement along with Kang’s historic generosity will lead to a new outpouring of support for women’s sports.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michele_Kang
https://www.marygrovemustangs.com/womens-soccer-around-the-world-growth-and-challenges.html
