OL Groupe: OL Féminin integrated into a multi-club group led by Michele Kang (Washington Spirit)

OL Groupe, owner of Olympique Lyonnais, and Michele Kang, owner of the Washington Spirit via YMK Holdings, have signed an agreement to create a "global multi-team women's football group" that will integrate both OL Féminin (D1 Arkema) and the NWSL franchise, announced both parties on 16/05/2023.

The South Korean-born American will be the majority shareholder and president of the new structure, which aims "to acquire additional clubs in other countries in Europe, the Americas, and Asia."

"At the level of the OL group, the transaction will result in the contribution by OL Association (an independent association governed by French 1901 law, consolidated by OL Group) of its women’s soccer business in exchange for a 12%-stake in the new joint entity (without voting rights). OL Groupe will also hold, via OL SASU, a 36%-stake (without voting rights) in the new joint entity in exchange for the contribution of a 50-year license on the OL brand," said YMK Holdings and OL Groupe, which will therefore hold 52% and 48% respectively of the newly created entity.

The sale of OL Reign, the NWSL…