Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang makes record $30M donation to lift women's soccer in the US

Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang has made a historic donation to U.S. soccer, pledging $30M over five years with the aim of expanding access to the women's game, U.S. soccer announced Tuesday morning.

Her gift is focused solely on women's soccer, and is set to be invested in youth development, as well as expanding opportunities for female coaches and referees in the U.S. Her pledge is expected to provide opportunities for more than 100,000 female players to get involved in the game, offer training and mentorship to 70,000 coaches and referees, and double the number of national team camps at the youth level.

"By investing today, we can build a system in which every young girl sees a clear path to succes," Kang said at a news conference in New York. "The foundation we lay now will support generations of players, coaches and leaders to come. The time to invest is now, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact has never been greater."

“I believe a gift like this will change the trajectory of the sport,” U.S. women’s national team coach Emma Hayes said in a statement. “We’re in a pivotal moment for soccer in the U.S. and this will help us support more female players, coaches and referees in the game.”

Added U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone: “Michele Kang’s gift will transform soccer for women and girls in the United States. It will impact generations of women and girls in our game, including players, coaches, and referees. I know firsthand the power soccer can have in someone’s life and thanks to Michele, we will be able to provide more support and opportunities for women and girls.” 

Kang has an extensive portfolio of women's sports investments. As founder and CEO of Kynisca, a global organization dedicated to women's sports, she is the majority owner of the Washington Spirit, Lyon Feminin and the London City Lionesses. She has also invested in Just Women's Sports, and donated to USA's Women's Rugby team.

Her gift follows Arthur Blank's $50M investment in the U.S.'s new training center in Atlanta, which broke ground in April. Kang's Spirit team advanced to the NWSL Championship game, and will play the Orlando Pride for the title Saturday night in Kansas City.