Historic $30 Million Contribution to Women’s Soccer
Michele Kang, owner of the Washington Spirit, has announced a groundbreaking $30 million donation to US Soccer, marking the largest contribution ever made to support women’s and girls’ soccer programs within the federation. This pledge, the largest from any woman to US Soccer, aims to significantly expand opportunities for female athletes and professionals across the sport.
US Soccer projects that this funding will increase the US Women’s National Team (USWNT) player pipeline by 12-fold, growing the number of participants to 100,000. Over the next five years, the donation will also double the number of female coaches and referees in the U.S., creating a ripple effect across the soccer community.
Michele Kang’s Vision for Women’s Soccer
Kang, recognized by Sports Illustrated as one of the 50 most influential figures in sports, is a trailblazer in women’s soccer. She is the first woman of color to own a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team and leads Kynisca, the world’s first multi-team global organization dedicated to women’s soccer. Her portfolio includes ownership of the London City Lionesses and Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, one of the most decorated women’s soccer teams globally.
“Women’s sports have been undervalued for far too long,” Kang stated in a press release. “This investment aims to elevate women’s soccer both on and off the field, providing female athletes with the resources and support they deserve. I hope this serves as seed capital to inspire other donors to contribute to the future of the sport.”
Transformational Impact
US Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone praised Kang’s donation, calling it a transformative gift for women and girls in soccer. “This will benefit generations, impacting players, coaches, and referees,” she said.
USWNT head coach Emma Hayes, who assumed her role in May, echoed this sentiment. “This donation comes at a pivotal moment for soccer in the U.S. It will help us empower more women in the sport,” Hayes commented.
Tennis icon Billie Jean King also commended Kang’s philanthropic effort, highlighting its potential to change the trajectory of women’s sports.
Recent Philanthropy in U.S. Soccer
Kang’s pledge is the third major donation to US Soccer in just over a year. In September 2023, Arthur M. Blank committed $50 million to build the US Soccer National Training Center, while Ken Griffin contributed to the hiring of men’s head coach Mauricio Pochettino in September 2024.
NWSL Championship Final
The Washington Spirit, led by Kang, are set to compete against the Orlando Pride in the NWSL Championship final on Saturday, capping off an already monumental week for the team and women’s soccer as a whole.
This historic donation not only underscores Kang’s commitment to elevating women’s soccer but also sets a new benchmark for investment in women’s sports, paving the way for a brighter future.
Source: CNN Sports
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