By Ms Jheri Worldwide
Staff Writer
A new chapter has begun for the North Carolina Courage, one of the most successful clubs in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). The team recently announced a groundbreaking new ownership group that is not only set to inject new capital and vision into the club but is also notable for being majority-female, a significant milestone in professional sports.
Longtime principal owner Steve Malik, who brought the team to Cary, will remain as a minority owner, but the future of the Courage will now be guided by new principal owner, Michele Kang. Kang, an accomplished businesswoman and philanthropist, leads a dynamic group of new investors that includes international tennis superstar Naomi Osaka, Capitol Broadcasting Company CEO Jim Goodmon, and other prominent local business leaders.
The announcement marks a pivotal moment for both the NC Courage and the NWSL, which has seen explosive growth and soaring franchise valuations in recent years. The investment signals a powerful belief in the future of professional women’s soccer.
In her first address as principal owner, Michele Kang spoke passionately about her vision, emphasizing that her investment is driven by a deep commitment to women's sports. "I'm here because I'm a fan of women's sports," Kang stated emphatically. "We're going to build the best women's soccer team in the world."
Kang's goals are ambitious and clear: to win championships and to build a world-class organization that provides the best resources, facilities, and support for its players. She stressed the importance of creating an environment where female athletes can thrive both on and off the field. "This is not a charity," she asserted, framing the investment as a smart, strategic business decision based on the immense growth potential of women's sports.
The move is seen as a major step forward in a league that is rapidly expanding and attracting significant attention. For the North Carolina Courage, a team already boasting a decorated history with multiple championships, this new era promises to build upon that legacy, backed by a powerful new ownership group dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible for women's professional soccer.
