London City Lionesses pursue independent 100% female club model

London City Lionesses, owned by American businesswoman Michele Kang, is pursuing a unique 100% female club model in the English football system. Unlike major clubs such as Chelsea or Arsenal, the Lionesses operate independently without being attached to a men's professional team.

Following their promotion to the top division for the 2025 season, the club has made significant high-profile signings. This includes the recruitment of Spanish star Alexia Putellas and French internationals Delphine Cascarino and Grace Geyoro. The transfer for Geyoro involved a €1.65 million fee paid to Paris Saint-Germain, marking a record amount for women's football.

Kang, who also owns Olympique Lyonnais in France and the Washington Spirit in the United States, aims to establish the Lionesses as a standalone entity rather than a secondary section of a larger men's organization.