London City Lionesses have dominated many of this summer’s transfer headlines. For good reason too, as they have made several high-profile signings, including none other than two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas. After Michele Kang bought the club in December 2023, it took just eighteen months for LCL to earn promotion to the WSL. They also finished seventh in the league last season, higher than many newly promoted teams previously in the WSL. This suggests the 2026/27 season could be another exciting one for LCL. However, rather than focusing on what to expect tactically, this piece explores what the season could bring for the club more broadly, particularly off the pitch.
New signings
Without a doubt, Alexia Putellas signing for London City Lionesses was one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer, following months of speculation. However, Putellas is not the only high-profile player who has joined Michele Kang’s project. Mary Earps also signed a two-year deal, after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, as well as Mapi Léon, Kadidiatou Diani and Nicole Anyomi, to name a few. Whilst this summer has been a historic one for the club, this is a project that Michele Kang has been developing for several years. The club had already attracted several experienced players who have played key roles for their national teams, including Kosovare Asllani, Danielle van de Donk and Grace Geyoro.
These signings demonstrate the ambition of London City Lionesses. Moreover, it suggests the club is an attractive team and project for high-profile players. One reason for the club’s appeal is the rapid progress they have made in a relatively short period of time, finishing seventh in their very first season in the WSL. The opportunity to join a rapidly progressing club in one of the most attractive leagues in women’s football is also likely to be a significant factor for players considering their future.
Michele Kang herself has also been mentioned as a key reason why players have signed for the club, with players telling the media that when she was interested in signing them that she flew to see them and discuss the project. LCL is not the only club Kang owns, as she also owns Lyon and Washington Spirit, two very successful clubs in the sport. However, one unique part of London City’s identity in the WSL is their status as an independent club, without an affiliated men’s team.
Growing a fan base
Whilst the growth of London City Lionesses shows that women’s teams do not need to rely on the support of a men’s club, being independent also brings challenges that other WSL sides may not face. For example, fans of men’s football teams may also become supporters of their club’s women’s team too, which has contributed to the continuing growth in attendance of WSL games. However, this is not an option for LCL, as there is no men’s team with a pre-existing fan base.
LCL’s fan base is likely to grow significantly this year. A second season in the WSL, an ability to compete with some of the league’s best teams and several high-profile signings could all help attract even more supporters. They have also recently announced an afterparty following their opening game of the season against Manchester United. The introduction of events, such as this afterparty, suggests that the club are targeting their advertising at different age groups, to include young adults, as well as families, who have often been a focus when advertising WSL games. This contributes to LCL’s distinct identity and the sense of community that the club are trying to create, as they continue to grow their fan base.
Training facilities as an independent club
Another challenge London City Lionesses face as an independent club is developing their own stadium and training facilities. However, Kang’s plans demonstrate that London City’s investment is long-term. In June 2024, the club acquired Cobdown Park as their training ground. They also highlighted their ambitions to establish a Centre of Excellence for the development of Women and Girls.
The high-profile signings, growing fan base and long-term investment in training facilities all demonstrate Michele Kang’s ambition for London City Lionesses. Whilst it remains to be seen how they will fare in the WSL this season, particularly with several other clubs also going through periods of transition, the 2026/27 campaign looks set to be another exciting one as London City continue to grow and establish themselves in the WSL.
