Michele Kang has agreed a deal to take control of Olympique Lyonnais, with the American businesswoman committing significant new investment as the French club looks to secure its future and remain in Ligue 1.
Olympique Lyonnais are on the verge of entering a new chapter after reaching an agreement for American businesswoman Michele Kang to take control of the club.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Eagle Football Group (EFG), marking a major step in the restructuring of one of France’s most historic football institutions.
The proposed transaction will see Kang acquire all EFG shares held by Eagle Bidco, the holding company currently under judicial administration. The shares represent 87.78% of the club’s capital and are being purchased for $30 million (€26.3 million), giving Kang a controlling stake in Lyon.
In addition to the acquisition, Kang has pledged to inject up to €71 million in fresh funding into the club. The investment is designed to strengthen Lyon’s financial position and support its long-term sporting ambitions. Including transaction-related expenses, the total commitment could reach €75 million.
🦁🇫🇷 OFICIAL: Michele Kang se convierte en PROPIETARIA TOTAL del Olympique Lyon.
Asumió la presidencia hace 1 año para salvar al club del descenso, ante el castigo de la DNCG por la gestión de John Textor.
La empresaria surcoreana invertirá 71 MILLONES DE EUROS y se comprometió… pic.twitter.com/XKJs6Ve6sw
— Mundo Pelota (@mundopelotanet) June 23, 2026
The deal will also mark Lyon’s departure from John Textor’s multi-club ownership model. Once completed, the club will return to operating independently under the OL Groupe structure while remaining a publicly listed company.
Kang has also agreed to buy out key lender debts, making her the sole controlling shareholder.
A significant portion of the new funding will arrive immediately after the transaction closes, with €31 million expected to be injected into the club straight away.
Lyon’s main lenders have also agreed to concessions over the next 18 months, providing additional financial stability during the transition period.
Despite the ownership changes, there will be continuity in the club’s leadership. Kang will remain president, while Michael Gerlinger will continue in his role as chief executive officer.
Lyon also confirmed that the men’s club will continue to operate separately from OL Feminin, formerly known as OL Lyonnais.
However, the takeover is not yet fully complete. The agreement remains subject to approval from French football’s financial watchdog, the National Directorate of Management Control (DNCG).
Kang is expected to meet with the body in the coming days, and the deal can only be finalized if Lyon’s Ligue 1 status is officially maintained.
Speaking after the announcement, Kang expressed her determination to restore Lyon’s place among Europe’s elite clubs. “It is with a great sense of responsibility and immense honor that I take part in this takeover process today. We will continue our efforts on all fronts to restore our club as one of the leaders in European football,” she said. Gerlinger echoed that optimism, stating that the club is back on the right path and that everyone at Lyon will work hard to justify Kang’s significant investment.
