Businesswoman Michele Kang has pledged $30 million (£23.6 million) to US Soccer, a donation the organization says will “transform” women’s and girls’ soccer in the United States.
The commitment of American Kang, owner of the National Women’s Soccer League team, the Washington Spirit, the French top-flight team, Lyon Feminin, and the London City Lionesses of the Women’s Championship, is the largest commitment never done by a woman with American soccer.
In a statement,, external US Soccer said Kang’s investment over the next five years will “increase competitive opportunities for young players, expand and improve talent identification, and boost the professional development of players, coaches and referees.”
“Women’s sports have been undervalued and overlooked for too long,” Kang said.
US Soccer highlighted the opportunity to double the number of national team camps it currently hosts, specifically funding camps for women and girls.
Kang said she is “committed to raising the level of excellence in women’s football, both on and off the pitch,” providing athletes with the resources needed to “reach their full potential.”
“I hope this investment will serve as ‘seed capital’ and encourage other donors to follow suit,” said Kang, 65.
American coach Emma Hayes said the donation “will change the trajectory of the sport.”
The former Chelsea manager added: “We are at a crucial time for soccer in the United States and this will help us support more players, coaches and referees in the game.”
