Olympique Lyonnais women's team, now rebranded as OL Lyonnes, have set their sights on regaining the Champions League title. The eight-time European champions officially changed name on 19 May, adopting the motto “New story, same legend”. The club is now owned by Michele Kang and is part of the Kynisca multi-club group, which also includes Washington Spirit. Sporting director Vincent Ponsot stated: “We absolutely want to win the Champions League again quickly.”
The new era began on 7 September at the Groupama Stadium, where the team played its 1,000th French top-division match against Marseille. New signings this summer include Jule Brand, Lily Yohannes, Ashley Lawrence, Ingrid Engen, Korbin Shrader and Marie-Antoinette Katoto. The club’s sports staff has grown from 15 to 24, administrative staff from 10 to 16, and marketing and fan experience personnel have doubled. Kang has promised a state-of-the-art training centre in Mézieux and a purpose-built stadium, subject to council agreement.
Despite the investment, attendance remains a challenge. After eight match days, average attendance stands at 5,528 fans, the best in France but still low for the 59,000-seat Groupama Stadium. Ponsot noted difficulties in engaging the men’s team fanbase, citing Arsenal as a model. Surveys commissioned by Kang revealed supporters value “performance, excellence, winning” as well as “respect” and a family-friendly atmosphere. The club is using giant foosball tables, face painting and DJ sets to attract a different audience.
OL Lyonnes have also agreed a schedule rotation with the men’s team, alternating weeks at the Groupama Stadium. However, the rapid development plan faces wider challenges in French women’s football, where economic limitations and cultural attitudes persist. Ponsot acknowledged improvements since the women’s league creation in 2024 but said “promotion and commercialisation” still need progress.
