July 27, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – OL Reign News Release
SEATTLE, WA. – OL Reign today announced a series of U.S. events with its sister team Olympique Lyonnais (OL) that bring together two storied clubs that share a winning culture, and, above all, two clubs on a mission, embracing women’s soccer as a force for good by empowering women & girls globally. The clubs are both owned by OL Groupe, which acquired the Reign in 2019.
OL arrive in Seattle Aug. 13, and will be honored during a halftime ceremony during the Reign’s Aug. 14 match against NJ/NY Gotham FC. OL then head to Portland, Ore., where they will play against Chelsea FC in the first round of the Women’s International Champions Cup Tournament Aug. 17. OL Reign will make their way to Louisville, Ky. to compete in The Women’s Cup.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to strengthen our unity in welcoming Olympique Lyonnais to Seattle,” said OL Reign CEO Vincent Berthillot. “These world-class players embody the mission and drive to win that have inspired soccer fans across the globe, from Seattle to Lyon. Together, our clubs play for future generations of women and girls who will know what being a champion looks like: winners on the pitch and defenders of a more inclusive and sustainable world off the pitch.”
“Having these two amazing teams together in Seattle is an opportunity to celebrate our engagement in the women’s game and our commitment to gender equity,” said OL Head of International Women’s Football Sophie Sauvage. “Football is for everyone and this conviction has driven us for two decades. We are excited to expand a bold strategy and deepen our investment in both cities, starting with academies.”
Fans recognize a diversity of global superstars and Women’s World Cup standouts on both rosters, but their impact together, and with the support of OL Groupe, sets them apart beyond statistics and records. Both teams are made up of legends and historic changemakers who lead with their values. Together they build the future of women’s sport, inspiring people every day through their voice and their actions, enhancing the lasting impacts of fair play, sisterhood and hard work.
The OL family includes some of the most well-known and awarded players and coaches in the world. In 2019, Reign forward Megan Rapinoe won the Ballon d’Or; in 2018 it was awarded to OL’s Ada Hegerberg. Reign Head Coach Laura Harvey won the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Coach of the Year in 2014, 2015 and…