For several months now, Seattle Reign FC, formerly called OL Reign, has been for sale.
This Monday, OL Groupe formalized the sale of the American franchise.
The women's team, in which Megan Rapinoe finished her career, brought 53.6 million euros to Olympique Lyonnais.
It was purchased in December 2019 for 3.1 million euros, when Jean-Michel Aulas was still at the head of the French club.
The sale of Lyon's entire stake, i.e. 97% of the share capital of the American team, therefore brought a large added value to the Rhone residents.
Seattle Reign FC Acquisition by Seattle Sounders and Carlyle Nears Completion
— Seattle Reign FC (@reignfc) March 18, 2024
Lyon provided more details on the transaction in a press release: “OL Groupe announces the signing of an agreement with a group including the Seattle Sounders and global investment company Carlyle for the sale of Seattle Reign FC.
The transaction is expected to be completed in early 2024, subject to approval by the Board of Directors of the NWSL (National Women's Soccer League) and MLS (Major League Soccer).
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The sale was planned by the group anyway.
The women's OL, of which the American Michele Kang has become the owner and CEO in recent months, is part of a multi-club structure in which the Washington Spirit, another American franchise, is located.
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OL Groupe is therefore continuing its restructuring, as it indicates in its press release: “This operation is part of the group's strategy, in particular the refocusing on men's football announced on October 25.
It should allow OL Groupe to recognize a capital gain on the sale in the accounts for the 2023-2024 financial year, after deduction of current account advances incurred in the development of the club and the impact of the cumulative results since the acquisition of the franchise in January 2020.”