Philanthropist Recognized for Global Impact
Michele Kang, the majority owner of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)’s Washington Spirit and the founder and former CEO of Cognosante, is set to receive a significant honor from ESPN. Kang will be recognized as ESPN’s Sports Philanthropist of the Year on Tuesday, July 15. The award ceremony will take place at the prestigious Ray Dolby Ballroom in Hollywood, California, during the week leading up to the annual ESPYs awards.
The recognition highlights Kang’s substantial and far-reaching efforts aimed at transforming women’s sports on a global scale and driving fundamental systemic change within the athletic landscape. Her actions span multiple continents and various initiatives, underscoring a deep commitment to elevating opportunities and professional standards for female athletes.
A Pioneer in Women’s Sports Ownership
Kang’s impactful journey in sports philanthropy began in 2022 when she became the first woman of color to own an NWSL team, taking majority ownership of the Washington Spirit. This move alone was a landmark moment, breaking barriers and bringing a new perspective to league leadership.
Building on this foundation, Kang expanded her influence into the international arena in 2023. She acquired majority ownership stakes in two prominent European women’s football clubs: OL Lyonnes in France, one of Europe’s most successful teams, and the London City Lionesses in the UK, a team competing in the Women’s Championship. These acquisitions signaled a deliberate strategy to foster interconnected growth and elevate the women’s game across major international markets.
In 2024, Kang launched Kynisca, a global organization dedicated to the crucial task of professionalizing women’s football worldwide. Kynisca aims to provide the necessary infrastructure, resources, and support systems to enable women’s football to thrive as a sustainable, high-level professional sport, addressing disparities in areas like player welfare, training facilities, and commercial development.
Substantial Financial Commitments
Beyond ownership and organizational initiatives, Kang has backed her vision with significant financial investments. She made a notable $4 million commitment spread over four years to support the USA Women’s Rugby Sevens team. This funding is crucial for enhancing training, resources, and development pathways for the national team as they compete on the international stage.
Further demonstrating her commitment to American sports, Kang pledged a substantial $30 million over five years to U.S. Soccer. This initial commitment aimed to bolster various programs and initiatives designed to grow the sport at all levels in the United States, with a particular focus on the women’s game.
Continuing her deep investment in U.S. Soccer’s mission, in 2025, Kang integrated the Kynisca Innovation Hub into U.S. Soccer’s Soccer Forward Foundation. This integration is designed to funnel cutting-edge research, strategic planning, and innovative practices directly into U.S. Soccer’s development efforts. This pivotal step increased her total investment in U.S. Soccer to an impressive $55 million, solidifying her role as a major benefactor and catalyst for progress within the organization and the sport nationally.
Driving Systemic Change
Kang’s approach goes beyond simple financial contribution; it is focused on driving systemic change. By investing in teams, establishing global organizations like Kynisca, and making substantial financial pledges to national governing bodies like U.S. Soccer, she is actively working to create sustainable models for growth and equality in women’s sports. Her multi-faceted strategy addresses challenges ranging from ownership diversity and club infrastructure to player development and professional standards.
The recognition from ESPN as Sports Philanthropist of the Year underscores the significant impact Kang has already made in a relatively short period. Her efforts with the Washington Spirit, her expansion into European football, the launch of Kynisca, and her substantial investments in U.S. Soccer and USA Rugby collectively represent a powerful force for positive change.
The Significance of the ESPYs Recognition
Being honored during ESPYs week in Hollywood, California, places Kang’s philanthropy on a prominent platform, drawing attention from across the sports world and beyond. The award not only celebrates her past contributions but also highlights the ongoing need for substantial investment and dedicated leadership to ensure the continued growth and professionalization of women’s sports globally. The ceremony on Tuesday, July 15, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom will serve as a moment to acknowledge her pioneering work and inspire further action within the sports community.
Kang’s vision and financial commitments are setting new benchmarks for investment in women’s sports, creating pathways for athletes and organizations to thrive in an increasingly competitive global environment. Her recognition by ESPN serves as a testament to the transformative power of dedicated philanthropy in reshaping the future of sports.
