Michele Kang unveils rebranding of OL Féminin, introduces new training facility
New Performance Center For OL Lyonnes Soccer Team On The Horizon
Prepare to be blown away, soccer fans! The most successful women's soccer team in the world is getting a lavish new training hub, and its majority owner, Michele Kang, isn't shy about admitting that it's going to cost a pretty penny.
At a press conference in Lyon, France, Kang unveiled her plans to construct a brand-new training center for Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, now rebranded as OL Lyonnes. The trend of developing dedicated performance homes for women's sports teams is gaining traction, and OL Lyonnes is jumping on the bandwagon with flying colors. Kang has put architecture powerhouse F3 – responsible for the amazing training grounds of Tottenham Hotspur's men's and women's teams – in charge of designing this first-class facility.
Elite female athletes need facilities tailored to their unique needs, and Kang wants her players to have nothing less. She believes the environment plays a crucial role in the team's success, as she noticed during her time in Lyon that the women's team has achieved tremendous victories despite limited resources.
"Right now, estimates are being developed, and while the exact cost is to-be-determined, it's not going to come cheap," Kang warns, joking that she'd rather not delve into the specifics. The little she's revealed points to a hefty investment, and she is fully committed to financing the construction.
Currently, the team shares training grounds with the boys' academy at the Groupama OL Training Center, near the Groupama Stadium where the men's club plays. Moving to a new training center will allow the men's teams and the boys' academy to consolidate in one part of the campus, while the OL Lyonnes first and reserve teams take over the other.
However, the team will continue to play their matches at the impressive 59,000-seat Groupama Stadium starting in the 2025-26 season, setting a precedent for women's soccer in Europe. Though not all games will attract sell-out crowds, Kang's ambition is to fill the stadium and is exploring ways to make it happen.
OL's rebranding aims to distinguish the women's club from its men's counterpart while still showcasing Lyon's pride. Founded in 2004, the team has won a whopping 38 titles, including eight Women's Champions League trophies. Kang's soccer empire doesn't end with OL Lyonnes, as she also owns the London City Lionesses and the Washington Spirit.
Sources:[1] https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lionsbridgeconsult_lyon6947031-6787882246935414785-9HdJ[2] https://www.google.com/search?q=OL+Lyon+training+center[3] https://www.google.com/search?q=Women%27s+football+stadium+capacity[4] https://www.google.com/search?q=London+City+Lionesses+promotion[5] https://www.google.com/search?q=Washington+Spirit+franchise+valuation
With the construction of a new training center, OL Lyonnes is ramping up its game and joining the European trend of dedicated facilities for women's sports teams. Given the architectural powerhouse responsible for designing the facility, football fans can expect a top-tier Champions League-worthy performance center for this renowned women's soccer team.
