Michele Kang, a Korean-American businesswoman and owner of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Washington Spirit, has made headlines for her generous donation to gift $4 million over four years to the USA Women’s Rugby Sevens team in celebration of their bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics.
The U.S. women’s rugby team defeated Australia 14-12 in the bronze medal match on July 30 in Paris, France. This victory marks the first time a U.S. team has ever won an Olympic medal in sevens rugby, including the men’s team. Shortly after the match, USA Rugby announced Kang’s $4 million donation on its website.
In a press release, the organization stated that Kang’s donation will support the development and coaching staff of the women’s national rugby team as they prepare for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“We are stunned and beyond grateful for this transformative gift from Michele to advance USA Women’s Rugby. This will allow us to supercharge the progression of this program as we build to climb the podium in 2028 with Gold Medal aspirations in Los Angeles,” said USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren.
“2024 has been a banner year for women’s sports with record-breaking attendance and viewership, and women’s rugby is no exception,” said Kang, founder of Kynisca Sports International, a multi-club women’s sports organization. “This Eagles team has captivated millions of new fans, bringing unprecedented attention to the sport. I am so happy to support these outstanding athletes to realize their dream of capturing the gold in Los Angeles in 2028.”
Kang graduated from Sogang University in Seoul, Korea, in 1981 and went on to study abroad. She served as vice chairman and general manager of Northrop Grumman Information Technology, a global defense contractor. In 2008, she founded Cognosante, a healthcare consulting firm in Falls Church, Virginia, and has been a co-owner of the Washington Spirit since 2020. After acquiring a majority stake in the Washington Spirit in 2022, Kang signed an agreement to acquire the French women’s soccer team, Olympique Lyonnais Féminines, in 2023.
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM, HOONSIK WOO [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
