Kang outlines bold ambitions for the Lionesses
Michele Kang insists London City Lionesses can "go all the way" this season after a headline-making summer of high-profile signings. The club owner has sanctioned a major spending spree, bringing in two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, former England No.1 Mary Earps and four-time Champions League winner Mapi Leon among others.
In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News in New York, Kang laid out her immediate and long-term goals for the Women's Super League side.
"Go all the way," she said. "Whatever is there for the club to achieve I'm here to support. I want to see them win a WSL title, I want them to qualify for European competition."
Putellas signing sends shockwaves
London City finished sixth in their maiden WSL campaign last season, but the arrival of Putellas on one of the biggest contracts in the women's game signals an intent to disrupt the established order. Kang believes the Spain star's presence alone raises the bar.
"With her arrival and other players to join it's going to give a little jolt, a kick, to making the league more competitive and compelling," Kang said.
Alongside Putellas, Earps returns to the WSL after a stint abroad, while Leon adds pedigree from Barcelona's dominant Champions League side. Germany international Nicole Anyomi, Janni Thomsen from Utah Royals, and contract renewals for Freya Godfrey, Poppy Pattinson and Kosovare Asllani further strengthen the squad. The message is clear: London City are aiming for European qualification and beyond.
Financial questions and independent status
The scale of spending has raised eyebrows given the WSL's salary cap regulations, which limit clubs to 80% of "relevant revenue" plus £4m. Kang insists the numbers are sustainable through aggressive commercial growth.
"We are working on every front. Clearly, one of the ways to do that is to generate and increase our revenue. I've hired a lot of advisors and partners to bring commercial revenues in, ticket sales in."
Kang also highlighted the unique challenge facing the club as the only top-flight side without a men's affiliate. She argues that independent teams face an unfair playing field when declaring revenue, as affiliated clubs can allocate a larger share of joint sponsorship deals to their women's teams.
"As an independent team we have to earn every single penny for all our expenses. Nothing happens overnight and this is the first time WSL and FA in England has to deal with a fully independent team."
She called for a review of financial rules to give promoted and independent clubs the tools to compete.
"I'm not against having a salary cap, but when you have an open system with promotion and relegation, for newly promoted teams it's very hard for them to compete with teams that have been in the league for a long time."
A new era for women's football?
Kang's investment is not just about one club; she sees it as a catalyst for the entire league.
"I want to see this game stand entirely on its own and the players earn what they're truly worth, not because someone's generous or a corporation's writing a DEI cheque but the business of this game is generating that revenue."
With a squad now blending world-class talent and emerging prospects, London City Lionesses will be under pressure to deliver. Whether they can challenge the traditional top four remains to be seen, but Kang's ambition has already forced the WSL to take notice.
Source: Sky Sports News