April 8 – Pioneering businesswoman, investor, philanthropist, and the biggest financial supporter of women’s football in the United States, Michele Kang, has given the sport another massive boost, injecting $25 million into U.S. Soccer.
Last year, the Washington Spirit owner pledged $30 million over five years to U.S. Soccer to professionalise playing and coaching pathways within women’s and girls’ football – and now she has committed to another investment.
At the SheBelieves Summit in downtown Los Angeles, Kang promised to integrate the operations of her Kynisca Innovation Hub into U.S. Soccer’s newest idea, the Soccer Forward Foundation, which launched last year, and is already paying dividends.
JT Batson, CEO of U.S. Soccer, said, “This partnership is key in accelerating our in-service to soccer strategy. At U.S. Soccer, we believe soccer is a force for good, and the Soccer Forward Foundation exists to collaborate with those driving meaningful progress.
“Kynisca Innovation Hub and Soccer Forward share a mission to advance women’s soccer, and by combining efforts, we’re creating an unmatched platform for research, innovation, and long-term impact.”
Kang, who also boasts majority ownership stakes in France’s Olympique Lyonnais Féminin and FA Women’s Championship side London City Lionesses, added, “This integration represents a major step forward in advancing research and setting new standards for women’s sports.”
“By working together, we are ensuring that players at all levels benefit from innovative insights and best practices. Women’s soccer is experiencing historic growth, but there’s still work to be done to break down systemic barriers and secure the investment needed for female athletes.”
US Women’s National Team head coach Emma Hayes also commented: “As we continue to look at soccer through a female lens, this partnership will be a game changer for the future of women’s soccer.”
“This initiative will not only help us do important work to better understand the health of female athletes, but it will impact the support and resources across all aspects of the women’s game.
“We want to help our players perform at their best and ensure they have everything they need, both on and off the field, to help them reach their potential as elite female athletes.”
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1744853973labto1744853973ofdlr1744853973owedi1744853973sni@r1744853973etsbe1744853973w.kci1744853973n1744853973