In front of 8,749 fans at St Andrew’s, the London City Lionesses celebrated a historic achievement as they secured promotion to the Women’s Super League (WSL) on Sunday, May 4, 2025. The team, owned by American billionaire Michele Kang, made headlines as the first standalone women’s club to reach the top flight, marking a significant milestone in English women’s football.
The Lionesses clinched their spot in the WSL with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Birmingham City, coming from a precarious position after leading 2-0. The match showcased the Lionesses' resilience, as they fought hard to maintain their lead against a Birmingham side that pushed for a late winner.
Michele Kang, who took over the club in the summer of 2023, has been a driving force behind the Lionesses' rapid rise. Known for her investments in women’s football, Kang is also the owner of European powerhouses Lyon and Washington Spirit. Her commitment to the Lionesses has been evident since her arrival, and she expressed her ambitions for the club during the post-match celebrations.
"We have been building a team to be at a minimum, on day one, mid-tier WSL," Kang told Sky Sports. "This is proof that with proper investment and resources anything is possible. We are only going up." Her vision is clear: to establish the Lionesses as a competitive force in the WSL, despite the challenges they face as an independent club without a men’s affiliate.
The Lionesses' promotion is particularly noteworthy as they are the first club to achieve this feat after splitting from Millwall in 2019. This accomplishment highlights a changing landscape in women’s football, where standalone clubs can thrive and compete at the highest level.
Head coach Jocelyn Prêcheur, who joined the Lionesses last summer after a successful tenure at Paris Saint-Germain, acknowledged the significant step up to the WSL. "We have in mind what happened in the last two seasons, for sure, with the promoted team," Prêcheur said. "We don’t want to have the same story, which means we need to be sure we are strong enough, and it will be tough." He emphasized the need for the team to prepare thoroughly to avoid the pitfalls that have plagued other newly-promoted clubs.
The Lionesses have made strategic signings to bolster their squad, including former WSL winner Kosovare Asllani and World Cup champion Saki Kumagai. Other key acquisitions like ex-Barcelona midfielder Maria Perez and experienced Swedish international Sofia Jakobsson have added depth and talent to the team.
During the pivotal match against Birmingham, it was young British talents who shone brightly. Izzy Goodwin, just 22 years old, opened the scoring with a stunning goal, finishing the season as the Championship’s top scorer with 16 goals from 18 games. Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, also a key player, not only scored but made a crucial goalline clearance, showcasing her defensive skills.
"The WSL is a totally different league but we have the experience, we have the players, we have the support, we have the fans that hopefully keep growing," Boye-Hlorkah said. Her sentiments were echoed by Goodwin, who expressed gratitude towards Kang for her support: "We all love her and what she has done for this club. We're so happy. Hopefully, it makes more teams do this."
The Lionesses' success is not merely a product of star signings; it also reflects a broader strategy of investing in youth and homegrown talent. With the club planning a state-of-the-art training facility in Kent, the focus is on developing players who can compete at the highest level.
Financially, the Lionesses will face challenges as they transition to the WSL. Clubs in the WSL benefit from significantly higher TV revenue, with WSL teams receiving about £800,000 compared to £270,000 for Championship teams. This disparity underscores the importance of Kang’s investments as the Lionesses seek to establish themselves in the top flight.
As they prepare for their debut season in the WSL, the Lionesses are acutely aware of the historical struggles faced by promoted teams. Bristol City, for example, endured a dismal campaign last season, finishing with only six points, while Crystal Palace has already been relegated this season with ten points. The Lionesses aim to break this trend and prove their worth in the top tier.
"I’m not naive – I know the gap is huge between the Championship and the WSL," Prêcheur stated. His commitment to ensuring the team is well-prepared for the upcoming challenges is evident. The recruitment team is set to meet on Monday, May 5, 2025, to strategize for the summer transfer window, aiming to strengthen the squad further.
The Lionesses' promotion could signify a seismic shift in English women's football, proving that success is possible without the backing of a men's club. As they embark on this new chapter, the excitement surrounding the team is palpable, and fans are eager to see how they will fare in the WSL.
As the dust settles on their promotion celebrations, all eyes will be on Michele Kang and her ambitious plans for the Lionesses. With a commitment to empowering women in sports and a clear vision for the future, Kang is set to make waves in the world of women’s football.
