Michele Kang Net Worth 2025: Biography, Career, Teams, and Philanthropy

Michele Kang is a South Korean–born American entrepreneur, investor, and sports executive. She is best known as the founder of Cognosante, a health information technology company, and as the majority owner of several women’s football clubs, including the Washington Spirit (USA), Olympique Lyonnais Féminin (France), and London City Lionesses (England). In 2025, she also became president of Olympique Lyonnais (men’s team). Her career reflects a combination of business success, philanthropy, and a focus on advancing women’s sports.

Biography

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Early Life and Education

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Michele Kang was born in Seoul, South Korea, in 1959. She was the youngest of three sisters in a household that valued education. During her university years, she participated in democratic protests, reflecting South Korea’s period of political and social change.

In 1981, she moved to the United States, using family savings to pursue higher education. She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Chicago and later completed a master’s degree in public and private management at the Yale School of Management.

Career

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Corporate Beginnings

Kang began her career in management consulting and later joined Ernst & Young as a partner. She then moved to Northrop Grumman, where she led the Health & Science Solutions division, gaining experience in technology, government contracting, and healthcare services.

Founding Cognosante

In 2008, Kang launched Cognosante, a company focused on modernizing health information technology in the U.S. healthcare system. The firm specialized in building digital infrastructure for veterans, low-income families, and underserved communities. Over time, Cognosante grew into a significant federal contractor, working on projects for agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Health and Human Services. In 2024, the company was acquired by Accenture Federal Services.

Entry into Sports Ownership

In 2020, Kang became a minority investor in the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). By March 2022, she acquired majority ownership of the club for $35 million, then a record valuation for an NWSL team. Under her leadership, the Spirit saw increases in attendance, sponsorships, and revenue.

Expansion into Europe

Kang expanded into European football in 2023 by purchasing a majority stake in Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, one of Europe’s most decorated women’s clubs. In 2025, the team was rebranded as OL Lyonnes, with plans for a purpose-built training facility. That same year, her English side, London City Lionesses, secured promotion to the Women’s Super League—making it the first fully independent women-only club to reach England’s top division.

Launch of Kynisca

In July 2024, Kang introduced Kynisca, a London-based holding group for her football clubs: the Washington Spirit, OL Lyonnes, and London City Lionesses. The name honors Kyniska of Sparta, the first woman recorded as a victor in the ancient Olympic Games. The organization invests in player development, sports science, and global scouting pathways. Kang also pledged $50 million toward research focused on women’s physiology and performance.

Leadership at Olympique Lyonnais (Men)

In June 2025, Kang was appointed president of Olympique Lyonnais’ men’s team and CEO of Eagle Football Group. At the time, Lyon faced severe financial pressures and the threat of relegation from Ligue 1. Kang played a role in negotiations with league officials and regulators to stabilize the club. On July 9, 2025, Lyon won its appeal, ensuring its place in the top division for the upcoming season.

Personal Life and Values

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Kang rarely shares personal details publicly. She is a cancer survivor, a fact she has acknowledged in interviews, crediting the experience with influencing her leadership perspective. Her career and philanthropy reflect a commitment to women’s empowerment and opportunities in industries historically dominated by men.

Michele Kang Net Worth

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As of 2025, Kang’s wealth is estimated at approximately US$1.2 billion. Her fortune is attributed to three main areas:

• The creation and later sale of Cognosante.

• Ownership stakes in professional football clubs across the U.S. and Europe.

• Investments in healthcare and technology ventures.

Kang has also pledged significant resources to philanthropy in sport. In 2024, she committed $30 million to U.S. Soccer to support women’s development programs, followed by another $25 million in 2025. Additionally, she contributed $4 million to U.S. women’s rugby programs after the 2024 Olympics.

Net Worth Comparison with Other Celebrities

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7 Facts About Michele Kang

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1. Founded Cognosante in a small office above her garage.

2. First woman of color to become majority owner of an NWSL team.

3. Rebranded Olympique Lyonnais Féminin to OL Lyonnes in 2025.

4. Became president of Olympique Lyonnais (men’s team) in 2025.

5. Donated $30 million to U.S. Soccer programs in 2024, followed by $25 million in 2025.

6. Invested $4 million in U.S. women’s rugby post-2024 Olympics.

7. Named her global sports organization Kynisca, after an ancient Greek Olympic champion.

Current Status and Future Plans

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By 2025, Kang’s sports group spans the United States, France, and England. The Washington Spirit are among the leading clubs in the NWSL. OL Lyonnes are preparing to launch their new identity and training facility. London City Lionesses are entering the Women’s Super League for the first time. Olympique Lyonnais (men’s team) has stabilized financially and continues competing in Ligue 1.

Looking ahead, Kang has expressed interest in expanding her football model into Asia and South America, aiming to build an international network of women’s clubs. Her stated goal is to make women’s football sustainable and profitable at the global level.

Social Media and Public Presence

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Kang maintains a low personal profile online and does not use social media directly. Updates about her work are primarily shared through:

• Washington Spirit official accounts

• OL Lyonnes platforms

• London City Lionesses channels

• Kynisca’s official website and media releases

Conclusion

Michele Kang’s career spans healthcare technology, philanthropy, and global football ownership. From her beginnings in South Korea to her current role as president of Olympique Lyonnais and head of a multi-club women’s football group, she has played a significant role in expanding opportunities for female athletes. Her contributions, both financial and organizational, highlight an ongoing effort to elevate women’s sports to the same level of recognition and sustainability as men’s.

FAQs

1. Who is Michele Kang?
She is an American entrepreneur and investor, best known as the founder of Cognosante and as owner of professional football clubs in the U.S., France, and England.

2. What is Michele Kang net worth?
Her estimated net worth in 2025 is US$1.2 billion.

3. Which football teams does she own?
Washington Spirit (USA), OL Lyonnes (France), and London City Lionesses (England).

4. What is Kynisca?
A London-based sports organization founded by Kang in 2024 to oversee her clubs and invest in sports science.

5. Is she involved in men’s football?
Yes. In 2025, she became president of Olympique Lyonnais (men’s team).

6. What donations has she made?
She pledged $55 million to U.S. Soccer and women’s programs, and $4 million to U.S. rugby.

7. What is her educational background?
Economics degree from the University of Chicago and a management degree from Yale School of Management.