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☆ CEO makes largest-ever donation to ‘undervalued’ U.S. Soccer women and girls programs
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-20 | by ( Kimmy Yam | Kimmy Yam Is A Reporter For Nbc Asian America. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

Businesswoman and philanthropist Michele Kang just made a historic donation to women’s soccer. Kang, owner of the professional soccer team Washington Spirit, has pledged $30 million to the girls and women’s programs of U.S. Soccer, the organization announced on Tuesday. It’s the largest donation ever made to the soccer body by a woman, as well as to girls and women’s soccer. “Michele Kang’s gift will transform soccer for women and girls in the United States,” said Cindy Parlow Cone, president of the U.S. Soccer. She also owns Olympique Lyonnais, a women soccer team that plays in France, and London City Lionesses, in England.

Persons: Michele Kang, Kang, ” Kang, “ Michele Kang’s, ”, Cindy Parlow Cone, “, Alex Morgan, ’ Organizations: Washington, U.S, Soccer, U.S . Soccer, U.S . National Women’s Soccer League, Olympique Lyonnais, London City Lionesses, CNBC Locations: United States, France, England, U.S

Below, we've compiled everything you need to know about how to watch the NWSL Playoffs, starting with this weekend's quarterfinals. How to watch NWSL Playoffs in the USThe NWSL Playoffs will air across multiple streaming services and networks. Prime Video subscriptions start at $9/month, but you can also access Prime Video with a standard Amazon Prime subscription. Cord-cutters can live stream ABC through a live TV streaming service like DirecTV Stream or Fubo. Check price at ExpressVPNHow to watch NWSL Playoffs with a VPNSign up for a VPN if you don't have one.

Persons: We'll, Orlando Pride, ExpressVPN Organizations: Business, National Women's Soccer League, NJ, NY Gotham FC, Portland Thorns, Chicago Red Stars, Orlando Pride, Orlando Pride , North Carolina Courage, . Kansas City, Bay FC, Washington, Video, CBS, ABC, Orlando, Amazon, Amazon Prime, Carolina Courage, Paramount Plus, Paramount, Showtime, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, MTV, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream Locations: Orlando Pride ,, Bay, NJ

☆ Women's soccer is the fastest growing sports & entertainment category: Kynisca founder Michele Kang
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-29 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailWomen's soccer is the fastest growing sports & entertainment category: Kynisca founder Michele KangMichele Kang, Kynisca founder and Washington Spirit owner, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss the rise of women's sports, investment in women's soccer, and more.

Persons: Michele Kang Michele Kang Organizations: Washington Spirit Locations: women's

☆ Women's sports merchandise is an estimated $4 billion industry but fans still can't find the items they're looking for
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-03 | by ( Mykenna Maniece | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

"When you invest in a jersey, that means you really appreciate that person, their character, and what they bring to the game," Krieger said. Sports Innovation Lab estimates the women's sports merchandise industry is worth $4 billion — conservatively. People simply don't know where to find merchandise — 32% of fans reported having an issue finding a seller for women's sports merchandise compared to just 18% of fans looking for men's, according to Sports Innovation Lab's 2024 Women's Sports Merchandise Survey. But while big brands are making strides in partnering with women's professional teams to create merchandise, the women's sports merch buying experience is still lacking. Building the women's game takes an ecosystem of collaboration involving fans, athletes, leagues, team sponsors, and retailers.

Persons: —, Ali Krieger, Krieger, Mary Earps, Marc Atkins, Nike's, Aubrey Kingsbury, it's, Alyssa Naeher's, there's, didn't, A'ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Puma, Bjørn Gulden, Arne Freundt, Dylan Buell, isn't, Angela Ruggiero, Ruggiero, Roy Rochlin, Stringer, " Krieger, Megan Gokey, Alex Morgan, Chloe Kim, Simone Manuel, Sue Bird, Klarna, Billie Jean King's, Esther Kim's, Zach Boisjoly, we've Organizations: Service, National Women's Soccer League, FFC Frankfurt, Eintracht Frankfurt, German, Business, FIFA, England, New York Times, Adidas, Puma, Nike, Washington Spirit, Chicago Red Stars, Innovation, Sports, Google, WNBA, WTA, Survey, NBA, Manchester United, AC Milan, Bloomberg, Indiana Fever's, Sports Innovation, Realty Trust, Professional Women's Hockey League, League, Media, Sports Foundation, NCAA, New York, Gotham FC, New York Liberty Locations: Germany, Morocco, Esther Kim's Playa, New Jersey, New

☆ The founders of The Gist and Just Women's Sports describe what it's like to run a women-focused media company in a male-dominated industry
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-10 | by ( Margaret Fleming | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Ellen Hyslop cofounded in 2017 The Gist, a sports media company geared toward female fans. Three years later, Haley Rosen founded Just Women's Sports, making Instagram content about, well, just women's sports. In the male-dominated sports media industry, these female founders have built sustainable and successful businesses around women in sports. In 2022, women's sports received 15% of all sports media coverage, a study by Wasserman's The Collective found. "Every single person at Just Women's Sports adds so much value and is so influential and impactful in the company," Rosen said.

Persons: Ellen Hyslop, Gist, Haley Rosen, They're, Rosen, Billie Jean King, Hyslop, The Gist, That's, King, Kevin Durant, Allyson Felix, Abby Wambach, Sam Kerr, Kelley O'Hara, Elena Delle Donne, Haley, Michele Kang, Wasserman's, We're Organizations: Sports, Nike, Media, Comcast, Labs, King's Enterprises, Elysian Park Ventures, State, Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty, Philadelphia 76ers, Washington

☆ Brazil's Kerolin named NWSL's Most Valuable Player
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 15, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit midfielder Paige Metayer (26) makes a tackle against North Carolina Courage forward Kerolin Nicoli (9) during the second half at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNov 10 (Reuters) - Brazil forward Kerolin of North Carolina Courage has been named the 2023 National Women's Soccer League's Most Valuable Player, the league said on Friday. Kerolin, who scored a career-high 10 goals in 19 games during her second NWSL season and finished as the Golden Boot runner-up, is the first South American-born player and fourth international to win the league's highest individual honor. The 23-year-old Kerolin, who played at the Women's World Cup, led North Carolina to the third seed in the NWSL six-team playoffs where they were eliminated in the opening round. Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Paige Metayer, Kerolin, Geoff Burke, North Carolina Courage, Sam Coffey, Sophia Smith, San Diego Wave's Naomi Girma, Frank Pingue, Ken Ferris Organizations: District of Columbia, Washington, North Carolina Courage, Audi Field, USA, North Carolina, Portland, Portland Thorns , Kansas City Current's, Thomson Locations: Washington, District, USA, Brazil, American, North Carolina, Portland Thorns , Kansas, San, Toronto

☆ Rapinoe bids farewell as record NWSL crowd, sports greats pay tribute
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Oct 6, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; OL Reign forward Megan Rapinoe (15) reacts after the game against Washington Spirit at Lumen Field. It was always the safest place," Rapinoe, 38, said of her time in Seattle. Rapinoe had already called time on her international career, wearing the U.S. crest for the last time last month in friendly against South Africa. Players from each side hugged Rapinoe as she stepped off the field to a roars from the crowd, which included her five-time Olympic basketball gold medallist fiance Sue Bird. Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Edwina GibbsOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Stephen Brashear, Lumen, Billie Jean King, Ken Griffey Jr, Ballon, it's, Rapinoe, Aubrey Kingsbury, Claudia Dickey, Dorian Bailey's, Trinity Rodman, Sue Bird, It's, Amy Tennery, Edwina Gibbs Organizations: Washington, USA, National Women's Soccer League, NFL's Seattle Seahawks, Seattle, South, Rapinoe, Players, Thomson Locations: Seattle , Washington, USA, Seattle, South Africa, Washington, New York

☆ Megan Rapinoe honored in front of record crowd as she nears retirement
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-07 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Megan Rapinoe was celebrated at her last regular season home game for her club OL Reign on Friday as she edges closer towards retirement and, fittingly, a record NWSL crowd of 34,130 was there to witness the moment. It was always the safest place,” an emotional Rapinoe said on the pitch in Seattle afterwards. “This was just always the place where I could be myself and be safe and be protected, just go out and try stuff. The crowd displayed many tributes for Rapinoe. Steven Bisig/USA Today/ReutersA double World Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist, the 38-year-old leaves a remarkable legacy in her wake, perhaps best encapsulated by the iconic photo of her at the 2019 Women’s World Cup, triumphant with her arms outstretched.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Rapinoe, … it’s, –, Billie Jean King, Magic Johnson, Mikaela Shiffrin, Doug Emhoff, Steven Bisig Organizations: CNN, Washington, Reuters Locations: Seattle, USA

The retiring star was honored by club team OL Reign on Friday night in front of a National Women's Soccer League record crowd of 34,130 fans, many of whom wore pink wigs in her honor. Rapinoe had already played her final match with the U.S. national team last month in Chicago, but Friday marked her final regular-season home game for the Reign. The 38-year-old Rapinoe has played in 114 regular-season games for the Reign and scored 49 goals. “And she's really embraced her role with her full authentic self.”Rapinoe is also known for her social justice activism. She led the national team's long fight for equal pay with the men’s national team, which started with an EEOC complaint in 2016.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, “, ”, Sue Bird, Rapinoe, Lumen, Lauren Barnes, Abby Wambach, Ken Griffey Jr, Magic Johnson, Billie Jean King, isn't, —, Ballon, Jessica Berman, ” Berman, Colin Kaepernick Organizations: SEATTLE, Women's Soccer League, Washington, U.S ., Chicago Red Stars, Orlando Pride, FIFA, men’s, U.S, Soccer, NFL Locations: Chicago, Australia, New Zealand, France, Netherlands, U.S

☆ Rapinoe brings the curtain down on her fabled international career
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"It has been such an honour to be able to wear this shirt, play with all these players and live out my childhood dream," Rapinoe said at the end of the game. With 203 caps and 63 goals for her national team, the veteran played in four World Cups, winning in 2015 and 2019, and helped the U.S. to claimed the Olympic gold at the 2012 London Games. Her activism and off-field personality brought her to achieve household fame after supporting causes such as LGBT+ rights, speaking out against racism and standing up for equal pay in women's soccer. Rapinoe is scheduled to play her last National Women's Soccer League regular-season game with OL Reign on Oct. 6 against Washington Spirit in Seattle. Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City; Editing by Michael PerryOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, Alex Morgan, Emily Sonnett, Ballon, Lindsey Horan, Rapinoe, Angelica Medina, Michael Perry Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, REUTERS, South Africa, Soldier, Trinity Rodman's, Ballon d'Or, Women's Soccer League, Washington Spirit, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Sweden, United States, Melbourne, Australia, U.S, Chicago, soccer, Seattle, Mexico City

☆ Rapinoe retires from soccer with no regrets on activism
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"The off-field stuff is what is most meaningful (to me) and I think what I'm most proud of leaving this team and leaving the game," she said. "I'm very excited to continue to be a part of the growth of women's sport, not just football. I want to use my platform and my leverage, but now I'll have more time to do that." Rapinoe will play her final NWSL regular season game with the OL Reign on Oct. 6 against the Washington Spirit in Seattle. Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City; Editing by Josie KaoOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, Colin Kaepernick, Donald Trump, we've, Naomi Girma, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Angelica Medina, Josie Kao Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, REUTERS, NFL, U.S ., Washington Spirit, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Sweden, United States, Melbourne, Australia, South Africa, Seattle, Mexico City

☆ Rapinoe to play final game for US on Sept. 24
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Rapinoe, 38, announced last month before the Women's World Cup that she would retire when the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season ends in November. She was one of three American players to miss her spot-kick when the U.S. were knocked out by Sweden on penalties in the last 16 stage of this year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Rapnioe will end her international career with 203 caps and currently has 63 goals and 73 assists for the national team. She has also been an advocate for LGBT+ rights and equal pay in women's soccer. Rapinoe is scheduled to play her last NWSL regular-season game with OL Reign on Oct. 6 against Washington Spirit in Seattle.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Hannah Mckay, Rapinoe, It's, Hritika Sharma, Christopher Cushing Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, World, United, United States women's, South, U.S . Soccer Federation, USSF, National Women's Soccer League, Washington Spirit, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Sweden, United States, Melbourne, Australia, U.S, South Africa, Chicago, Rapinoe, soccer, Seattle, Hyderabad

☆ Trinity Rodman, daughter of an NBA legend, shines for USWNT before team departs for Women’s World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-10 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Trinity Rodman scored twice as the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) beat Wales 2-0 on Sunday in its final warmup game before the Women’s World Cup. Rodman, the daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman, came on as a second half substitute before scoring a brace late in the game. In 2021, Rodman made history after becoming the youngest woman ever selected in the NWSL draft. She was named NWSL Rookie of the Year later that year as she helped her team lift the NWSL title. Rodman made her highly-anticipated debut for the national team in 2022 and is part of a new generation of players looking to cement the USWNT’s legacy as the greatest team in women’s soccer.

Persons: Trinity Rodman, Rodman, Dennis Rodman, “, ”, Vlatko Andonovski, Karen Ambrose Hickey, Sipa, Megan Rapinoe Organizations: CNN, United States Women’s National, Wales, Washington Spirit, Reuters, Washington Locations: United, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Netherlands, Portugal, San Jose , California

☆ 'I'm still cool': US World Cup squad bridges generational divide
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-27 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/4] Jun 23, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Thorns FC forward Sophia Smith (9) celebrates a goal in the second half against the Washington Spirit at Providence Park. Building chemistry on a World Cup squad is no easy feat, as players who once regarded one another as club foes must bond as team mates in a span of a few weeks, forming a cohesive unit. Veteran forward Megan Rapinoe turns 38 next month and finds herself on the same squad as 18-year-old Alyssa Thompson. Thompson and 21-year-old forward Trinity Rodman count retired great Carli Lloyd's goal from half-field the 2015 World Cup final as a pivotal memory from their childhood. Five of their team mates this year were on the team with Lloyd when it happened.

Persons: Sophia Smith, Craig Mitchelldyer, Smith, ribbing, Tupac, Vlatko Andonovski, Megan Rapinoe, Alyssa Thompson, Thompson, Trinity Rodman, Carli Lloyd's, Lloyd, Crystal Dunn, Marcel, Dunn, Amy Tennery, Lincoln Organizations: Portland Thorns FC, Washington Spirit, Providence, U.S, United States, Thomson Locations: Portland , Oregon, USA, Australia, New Zealand, U.S, Los Angeles

☆ She’s Calling It: ‘That Moment’ for Women’s Soccer Is Now.
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( Talya Minsberg | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

In March 2022, she purchased the Washington Spirit, becoming the first woman of color to own a controlling stake in a National Women’s Soccer League team. Just a year later, she is now set to become the first woman to own and lead a multiteam soccer organization, which will encompass both the Spirit and the French club Olympique Lyonnais. The all-stock deal, which is expected to close in late June, will create a new independent entity under Ms. Kang as majority owner. She is already talking of adding more teams from around the world. Players and staff had endured a “horrific situation,” she said of abuse allegations, including accusations that the coach of the team she owned had fostered a toxic workplace culture for female employees.

Persons: Steve Baldwin, Kang, ” Organizations: Washington Spirit, Women’s Soccer League, French, Olympique Lyonnais, Trust, Washington

☆ Veterans Rapinoe, Morgan named in U.S. World Cup squad
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-21 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Jun 10, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; OL Reign forward Megan Rapinoe (15) is seen before the game against the Kansas City Current at Lumen Field. Five players, Rapinoe, Morgan, midfielder Julie Ertz, defender Kelley O’Hara and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher were part of the victorious U.S. World Cup squads in 2015 and 2019. The top-ranked Americans are fielding one of their least experienced squads in recent memory, with 14 of the 23 players going to their first World Cup, compared to 11 in 2019 and seven in 2015. Sam's sister and fellow midfielder, Kristie Mewis, was included in the roster for her first World Cup at age 32. Her Gotham FC team mate, Lynn Williams, also made the cut for the global showpiece tournament for the first time at age 30.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Michael Thomas Shroyer, Alex Morgan, Vlatko Andonovski, Alyssa Thompson, Naomi Girma, Savannah DeMelo, Andonovski, Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, Morgan, Julie Ertz, Kelley O’Hara, Alyssa Naeher, Mallory Swanson, Becky Sauerbrunn, Catarina Macario, Sam Mewis, Kristie Mewis, Lynn Williams, Aubrey Kingsbury, Casey Murphy, Alana Cook, Crystal Dunn, Emily Fox, Sofia Huerta, Kelley O'Hara, Emily Sonnett, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Kristie, Ashley Sanchez, Andi Sullivan, Amy Tennery, Ed Osmond Organizations: Kansas, Lumen, YORK, Savannah, Women's Soccer League, U.S, Gotham FC, Washington, North, Courage, Chicago Red Stars, Portland Thorns FC, Diego Wave FC, NY Gotham FC, Racing Louisville FC, FC, Olympique Lyonnais, San Diego Wave FC, Angel, Thomson Locations: Seattle , Washington, USA, States, Australia, New Zealand, NJ, Angel, New York

☆ Williams, Mewis hoping to play their way into US World Cup squad
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-20 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Apr 19, 2023; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; -New Jersey/New York Gotham FC forward Lynn Williams (10) celebrates her goal against the Washington Spirit during the second half at Red Bull Arena. "But he’s watching all the time - World Cup or not. "Being the best Lynn Williams I can possibly be will hopefully help me get on that team." The defending World Cup champions wrapped up their April camp with wins over Ireland in a pair of friendlies, with Mewis getting minutes off the bench while Williams did not feature. "What’s most important for me is to just try to be consistent and try to play the way I know how to play.

☆ Spirit sign 15-year-old Ricketts, youngest-ever contracted in NWSL
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

March 3 (Reuters) - Washington Spirit have signed 15-year-old Chloe Ricketts on a three-year deal, making the midfielder the youngest-ever player to have a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) contract. "The vision and infrastructure of our club make this signing possible, and we are look forward to Chloe developing and becoming an important player and teammate for our team." Ricketts will continue her education virtually, as the Spirit look to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 that saw them finish 11th in the top-flight U.S. women's league. "The opportunity to join the Washington Spirit on a professional contract is a dream come true," said Ricketts. Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ NWSL bans four coaches, fines teams after misconduct inquiry
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Jan 9 (Reuters) - The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) has handed lifetime bans to four former coaches and fined the Chicago Red Stars and Portland Thorns $1.5 million and $1 million respectively, part of sweeping sanctions from a misconduct inquiry. An independent investigator brought in by U.S. Soccer found last year that abuse and misconduct "had become systemic" in the NWSL. Former North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley, Racing Louisville coach Christy Holly, Chicago Red Stars coach Rory Dames and Washington Spirit coach Richie Burke will each be subject to "permanent exclusion" from the league. Arnim Whisler, who owns the Red Stars, and Thorns owner Merritt Paulson have agreed to sell their teams. The NWSL is compelling the owners of both teams to hire sporting staff that is "completely distinct" from their respective men's teams.

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